In Malawi, the president banned all employees of government health facilities from owning and operating private clinics and pharmacies. The aim of the measure is to protect the constitutional rights of citizens to access public health services without illegal payments, coercion or discrimination. Paramedics have 30 days to comply with the order. After the deadline, they face dismissal from the public health service, a ban on working in other state institutions or other sanctions. The country has been facing a long-term shortage of medicines and medical equipment. Patients are forced to buy prescription drugs or supplies outside of government facilities. In some cases, they have to pay for free services such as X-rays or malaria tests. In addition, patients are redirected to private facilities.