Malawi nurses’ strike enters third day

Nurses and midwives across Malawi entered the third day of a sit-in Wednesday aimed at forcing government to upgrade them to registered nurses.

At Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, the nurses gathered under a tree outside the hospital, but within the fence. They were dressed in uniforms.

Random visits in the wards showed that only registered nurses were working which put them under intense pressure considering the number of patients that visited the hospital.

A few medical assistants and clinical officers were seen trying to help the nurses, but it was evident that the services of the nurses were lacking.

The nurses pleaded not to be photographed for fear of reprisals from government.

Zone chair of National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives (Nonm) Osman Asam said that the sit-in has been staged because government is dilly-dallying on their concerns.

“We presented our concerns long time ago, but nothing is working on the ground. We then decided to stage a sit-in to show our seriousness,” said Asam.

Principal secretary in the Ministry of Health Charles Mwansambo told Nation on Sunday that his ministry was committed to getting the process started and funds have been committed to the exercise.

But Asam said that is only voice commitment as there is nothing tangible on the ground.

“We are supposed to see work being done such as establishment of the syllabus and curriculum. We can’t trust words but action,” he said.

He said the strike will go on until their demands are met.

Executive secretary of Nonm Harriet Kapyepye said the whole issue started in February when they met President Joyce Banda in Blantyre.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Henry Chimbali said the issue is purely for the nursing council.

Registrar of Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi Martha Mondiwa said she was at a funeral and would respond to questions later.