National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (Nonm) says the nursing profession has faced neglect over the years, resulting in 3 000 nurses still unemployed.
The nurses expressed their concern yesterday during the International Nurses Day celebrations held at the Nkhwazi Admarc ground in Mchinji graced by President Lazarus Chakwera.
Nonm president Shouts Simeza said while 3 000 nurses remain unemployed, the nurse-to-patient ratio, depending on the facilities, averages 1:40, which is significantly higher than the recommended 1:10.
the day. | Chrispine Msiska
He said the nursing profession enjoyed greater respect during the era of Kamuzu Banda and urged President Chakwera to reinstate the safe motherhood initiative and enhance their learning conditions.
Simeza said: “We call on the government to invest more in nursing through incentives aimed at retaining staff and preventing a collapse of healthcare services.”
However, Simeza commended government for recruiting at least 11 000 health workers so far and allowing Malawian nurses to work in Israel.
The Nonm president further pointed out that Christian Health Association of Malawi (Cham) hospitals continue to suffer from inadequate staffing as there have been no promotions since 2008.
“Many nurses have upgraded their skills and competencies, yet they have received no recognition or promotion for six years now,” he said, adding that there is frustration among some specialists due to poor treatment in the field.
In his speech, President Chakwera agreed on the importance of having more nurses and midwives as they contribute to the quality health care of many Malawians.
He said so far government is constructing over 200 health posts to improve access to healthcare services in rural areas, which will also contribute to job creation.
Said Chakwera: “As a government, we are proud of having nurses and midwives in hospitals because our country cannot go forward without your health support.”
The President further stated that government will continue to support nurses by providing quality education to ensure the country has well-trained and experienced healthcare professionals.
“People in rural communities should have access to quality education, as such, we are working on having good nursing facilities where people will be trained and educated so that they provide better health services,” said Chakwera.
On her part, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda urged nurses and midwives to be responsible for their work.
“My ministry has received a lot of complaints about the way you misbehave to patients, I am urging you all to stop this kind of behaviour and you should treat all patients equally and seriously,” she said.
At the ceremony, President Chakwera presented awards to nine outstanding nurses and midwives.
The day was commemorated under the theme Our nurses our future. ‘Caring for nurses strengthens economies’.
