The Parliamentary Committee on Health has announced that Parliament will introduce a Public Health Bill during the mid-year budget review session.
Dr. Mathews Ngwale, Chairperson of the committee, stated that one of the key issues addressed in the bill is the requirement for public toilets in both public and some private institutions, such as banks.
Speaking during a meeting with officials from the Bankers Association of Malawi, Ngwale highlighted public concern over the lack of restrooms in banks, which compromises customer health. Committee members noted that people traveling from rural areas to access banking services face challenges due to the absence of restroom facilities.
“Banks should find ways to introduce sanitary facilities within their premises for customers,” said Ngwale, emphasizing the importance of improving public health by avoiding situations where customers are left without appropriate facilities.
The committee also raised concerns about the long wait times many customers experience in banks, particularly when queues are lengthy.
In response, Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) CEO Lyness Nkungula explained that security concerns are a primary reason banks have hesitated to provide customer restrooms. She assured that the proposed bill is likely not solely focused on banks but addresses various public health concerns.
“We will review the draft bill and provide comments as needed,” she said.
Nkungula added that Malawian banks offer alternative channels, such as digital banking, to reduce wait times and better serve customers without necessitating physical queues.
Parliament is scheduled to meet for the mid-year budget review from November 25 to December 20, 2024.
