One of concerned clients, Isaac Vizyalona, says he was forced to pay K2, 000 for his sick child to be attended to quickly, but he negotiated and paid K1,500.

"Why should we be paying for services at a public health facility? I am poor, I cannot afford to pay for services," he said.

A health expert, Professor Maureen Chirwa, said that "it’s unfortunate, especially that a health worker who is employed to provide a service to the communities is demanding money from communities. Authorities must take action.”

Nsanje District Health Office Spokesperson, George Mbotwa, says officially they have not received the complaint but was quick to say it will be dealt with.

"We are all aware that public facilities are offering services that are already free and no one is supposed to pay as it stands so we will follow it up," said Mbotwa.