Unemployment levels worry Cham
The Christian Health Association of Malawi (Cham) has asked government to provide job opportunities to nurses and midwives who end up jobless after graduating from training institutions.
Speaking on the sidelines of a graduation of 82 nurses and midwives from St John’s College of Nursing and Midwifery in Mzuzu on Saturday, Cham board chairperson Timothy Nyasulu said several nurses and midwives from Cham colleges end up jobless after graduation.
He said: “Unemployment is very pathetic in our country. As we are graduating 82 students today, there are several others from previous years who are yet to find jobs. We want government to seriously consider this because it is its responsibility. They need to provide more job opportunities for our graduates.”
Nyasulu admitted that Cham, which has 168-member health facilities and 11 colleges, also has the responsibility to provide job opportunities by constructing more hospitals.
He also called on non-governmental organisations to recruit nurses and midwives.
In his remarks, St John’s College principal Shout Simeza said the college is in the process of formulating an advanced diploma programme for its students so that they become competitive on the job market.
Mzuzu Diocese Bishop John Ryan, who was the guest of honour, said the diocese which owns the college will continue to complement government’s efforts in the provision of healthcare.
He said: “Graduating 82 healthcare workers is a big achievement. And what it says to government is that we are together with them. We are partners in providing healthcare to Malawians. No one institution can achieve such a huge task alone.”
Reacting to Cham’s appeal, Ministry of Health said it was in the process of promoting over 1 000 nurses on Grade K (which is the entry point for diploma nurses) to create opportunities for fresh graduates. n
