Malawi and China have signed an agreement that will see Chinese medical specialists assisting at the southern African country’s two main referral hospitals.Speaking during the signing ceremony in the capital Lilongwe, Malawian health Minister Jean Kalirani said Malawi would be able to fill some of the critical vacant positions at Kamuzu and Mzuzu central hospitals.

“The demand for quality care and skilled labour is very much needed on the ground. This is evidenced by looking at the standard of specialised care we offer to our patients across all levels of health care delivery especially at tertiary level,” she said.

She said the country had a dedicated health workforce that is always ready to learn new skills.

Chinese Deputy Minister of National Health and Family Planning Li Xi said his country was flexible to discuss further ways of assisting the Malawi health sector.