Chakwera for improved health workers welfare

President Lazarus Chakwera says his administration is committed to improving the welfare of healthcare workers by among others improving their working conditions.

President Chakwera was speaking in Mangochi earlier today when he presided over the official opening of a two-day 9th annual conference for the Society of Medical Doctors of Malawi (SMD).

He said his administration will soon embark on a nationwide initiative to give all public health facilities a facelift to provide a conducive working environment for the health workers.

He said: “Covid-19 has taught us that we cannot rely on external referrals.”

He hailed the health workers for their commitment and patriotism particularly in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In the spite of the pandemic, no profession has fought as stronger to save Malawians as the medical profession,” said Chakwera.

In the 17 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2 173 health care workers have been infected out of which 24 died.

Chakwera further hailed the private sectors and individual Malawians for their efforts in providing resources towards the fight against the pandemic.

In her remarks, Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda hailed SMD for their dedication to serve Malawians despite limited resources.

SMD was instrumental in mobilising resources in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, raising up to K300 million towards the course.

Chiponda cited lack of housing, poor equipment, lack of incentives, poor salaries, long working hours, brain drain as some of the challenges rocking the health sector that need urgent attention.

SMD president Victor Mithi said the association will continue to work with government in fighting various challenges in the health sector.