Obstetrics and gynaecology-related complaints are dominating the Medical Council of Malawi (MCM) disciplinary cases, drawing criticism from activists of safe motherhood.

Gynaecology is the caring of women during pregnancy and childbirth and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of women, especially those connected reproductive organs.

MCM disclosed this in a notice announcing guilty verdicts for medical practitioners following complaints lodged by patients.

The council said it conducted its second hearing for the 2023/24 financial year in March and concluded cases involving 18 practitioners. Five were rescheduled.

“Most complaints were from obstetrics and gynaecology (33.3 percent), followed by ethics and professionalism (27.8 percent), surgery (22.2 percent), internal medicine (11.1 percent) and lastly paediatrics (5.6 percent),” reads the notice in part.

MCM further points out that negligence, at 38.5 percent, was the most common type of charge while incompetence and unprofessional conduct, calculated at 30.8 percent,

were “equally common”.

In his reaction, Malawi Health Equity Network executive director George Jobe said: “It is unfortunate that when we are talking about safe motherhood and as a nation geared towards reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, we are registering increased complaints in the related field.”

He expressed hope that disciplinary actions will help sanitise “existing or would be shortcomings in maternal matters”.

From the 18 cases that were handled, nine practitioners were found guilty, according to the communication.

Among those reprimanded is Chanozga Nyirenda, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital intern doctor, who leaked the death of musician Martse on Twitter.

Martse died of fire burns last year.

MCM has issued Nyirenda a warning letter and further ordered him to conduct five continuing professional development that includes: Privacy and confidentiality for patient Information and responsible use of social media in medicine.

In another matter, MCM has recommended criminal prosecution of Maxwell Subili for practising without being registered.

The notice shows that the clinical officer allegedly issued a fake medical report that does not represent acceptable opinions of the medical profession.

“Report Mr Subili for criminal prosecution as he poses a risk to public safety if he practices,” MCM advises

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