Secretary for Health, Dr Samson Mndolo, has described the implementation of commitment controls within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) as a crucial step towards enhancing financial discipline and transparency in the public health sector.
Dr Mndolo disclosed this in Blantyre during the official opening of the second cohort training under the Malawi Emergency Project to Protect Essential Health Services.
The training targets staff across departments in the Ministry of Health to strengthen capacity in the use of IFMIS.
He said the commitment control mechanism within IFMIS enables the Ministry of Finance to release funds to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through quarterly budget allotments.
According to him, this approach allows MDAs to procure goods and services with the assurance that the Treasury will honour payments, thereby reducing delays and promoting accountability.
“The IFMIS system has proven to be a game changer in the way we manage budgets. Responsible officers can now spend strictly within their allocated limits, which enhances transparency and reduces wastage,” said Dr. Mndolo.
He also encouraged participants to apply the knowledge they will gain in the 2 weeks training in their daily roles, emphasising the importance of ownership and consistency in public sector reforms.
Dr Mndolo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening internal controls and praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance in advancing these reforms.
The IFMIS second cohort training continues this week, with a focus on building practical skills for improved service delivery and financial stewardship in the health sector.
The current system was introduced following a 2014 Cabinet resolution to replace the older Epicor-based platform. The new system is designed to be more secure, efficient and responsive to the country’s evolving financial management needs.
By Naomi Kamuyango
