DPP Director of Political Affairs Ben Phiri accuses government of misplaced priorities amid drug shortages

By Burnett Munthali

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Political Affairs, Ben Phiri, has lambasted the current government for its decision to purchase new vehicles for government officials at a time when Malawi is grappling with a severe shortage of drugs in public hospitals. Phiri described this move as a clear example of the government’s misplaced priorities, arguing that the funds used for the luxury vehicles could have been redirected to address the critical shortage of essential medical supplies.

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe, Phiri criticized the administration for failing to prioritize the needs of ordinary Malawians, many of whom are struggling to access basic healthcare due to the drug shortages plaguing hospitals across the country. He accused the government of turning a blind eye to the suffering of the people while continuing to live in luxury at the expense of public welfare.

“It is deeply concerning to see this government spending millions on new vehicles for its officials while public hospitals are operating without basic drugs. The money used for these cars could have been used to procure medicine and save lives. This shows how disconnected this administration is from the realities facing Malawians,” Phiri said.

Phiri further accused the government of failing to manage the country’s resources effectively, highlighting the growing public frustration with the current leadership. He argued that the DPP, under the leadership of Peter Mutharika, had a strong record of addressing the needs of the people and ensuring that public funds were used efficiently.

Assuring Malawians of a DPP comeback in the 2025 elections, Phiri promised that the party is ready to return to power and restore the confidence of the people in their government. He described the DPP as the only party that truly understands and empathizes with the suffering of Malawians, assuring the public that, if elected, the DPP would prioritize the health sector and ensure that drug shortages become a thing of the past.

“The DPP is the only party that has shown it can deliver for the people. We are the party that listens to the people’s needs and addresses them. When we return to power next year, we will ensure that every Malawian has access to proper healthcare, and we will prioritize the procurement of drugs in our hospitals. We will not waste public funds on unnecessary luxuries,” Phiri said.

He called on the Malawian people to trust the DPP once again, promising that the party’s leadership would bring back stability, transparency, and accountability to government. Phiri stated that the DPP is committed to addressing the economic hardships and mismanagement that have characterized the current administration.

As the 2025 elections approach, the DPP has continued to ramp up its criticism of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), accusing it of failing to live up to its promises and neglecting the most vulnerable in society. Phiri urged Malawians to vote for change, emphasizing that the DPP is prepared to bring the country back on track.

“The people of Malawi deserve better than this. They deserve a government that cares about their well-being and not one that wastes resources on luxuries for a select few. The DPP is here to offer that change, and we assure you that, come next year, we will be back in government to fix the damage that has been done,” Phiri concluded.

With public frustration over healthcare and economic issues continuing to grow, Phiri’s statement reflects the DPP’s attempt to position itself as the voice of the people ahead of the next general elections.