Veep tasked to champion health workers cause

The Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (Gacopa) says it expects new Vice-President Michael Usi to champion the cause of health workers.

President Lazarus Chakwera appointed Usi on Thursday to replace late Saulos Chilima who, alongside eight others, died in a plane crash in Mzimba on June 10 this year.

Usi has a diploma in clinical medicine and surgery obtained in 1999 from Malamulo College of Health Sciences among his academic achievements, according to his profile read out at his inauguration on Friday

In its congratulatory message, Gacopa said: “His appointment underscores the critical role clinical officers play in Malawi’s healthcare system and governance.

“We are confident that Usi will continue to champion the cause of clinical officers, advocating for their vital role in healthcare delivery and policy-making in Malawi.

The association further hailed Usi’s journey from foundational clinical medicine to the vice-presidency as a “testament of his dedication, perseverance and exceptional leadership.”

“This momentous achievement marks a significant milestone not only in his distinguished career, but also for the entire community of clinical officers and physician associates globally,” says Gacopa president Austin Oduor Otieno.

The assertions come hot on the heels of a tense disagreement between health workers and government with the former accusing the government of not implementing the agreed revised allowances as well as review conditions of service

Earlier this month, the health workers staged a nationwide sit-in to force the hand of government.

It was organised by the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi and Physician Assistants Union of Malawi.

Meanwhile, Paum president Solomon Chomba in a response to our questionnaire said they also share Gacopa’s expectations.

“We expect the plight of clinical officers, who are the backbone of clinical services in the country, to be attended to with utmost attention and seriousness.

“We also expect resumption of sustained promotions of all deserving clinical officers and betterment of their conditions of service like other healthcare workers,” he said.

During his inauguration at Parliament in Lilongwe on Friday, Usi expressed his commitment to helping the government deliver on its agenda.

However, a Mzuzu University- based governance and political analyst Crispine Mphande said the new Vice-President’s impact will depend on the intensity of presidential delegations.n