Vice Chairperson of the Malawi Local Government Association (Malga) councilor Akima Chipwatali has asked government to expand drug budget for councils.

Chipwatali said the in the 2022/23 budget, drug budget should increase from 10 percent to 40 percent.

Ministry of Health issued a rejection to councils to enable procurement of essential drugs from any drug store using an additional 10 percent fund which the government has provided to every council, while awaiting supplies from Central Medical Stores Trust.

According to Chipwatali, the allocation is not enough, considering that most hospitals are overloaded.

Malga has resounded its call for a bailout for councils, arguing they are still struggling.