Malawi doctors’ body accuses government of playing double standards on Covid-19 response
Human Resources for Health Coalition (HRH) has accused government of playing double standards it its response to the deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic by failing to fulfil its promises to provide healthcare workers with provide personal protective equipment (PPE).
The betrayal of government on provision of PPE to healthcare workers has forced the nurses’ body to declare indefinite withdrawal of services of healthcare workers across the country until such a day the Ministry of Health will be prepared to provide the materials to all the public and CHAM [Christian Health Association of Malawi] health facilities.
HRH chairperson, Hanna Mtemang’ombe, told journalists in Lilongwe on Friday that authorities at the Capital Hill have not been forthcoming with information about the issues agreed at their recent meeting with the organization thereby leaving nurses and other healthcare workers in ‘utter suspense and frustration’.
Mtemang’ombe vowed that the body will not entertain any more request from government to extend their ultimatum, saying they have been disappointed by government failure to understand and appreciate the risks nurses and healthcare workers are being exposed to in the course of saving and serving Covid-19 patients and cases.
“HRH has been monitoring the situation on the ground regarding the ministry’s response to Covid-19 based on our demands. As at present, our findings show that, in most of the public and CHAM facilities, PPEs are inadequate. This is putting a strain on them as they have to cover for the majority of fellow healthcare workers who do not have access to PPEs,” she said.
Mtemang’ombe further disclosed that despite engaging the Ministry of Health officials on further discussions to consider raising risk allowance as a matter of emergency, authorities have not moved an inch towards resolving this outstanding issue.
“One wonders if indeed government acknowledges that with Covid-19 pandemic, nurses, as frontline healthcare workers, are unarguably putting their lives on the line by nature of their work,” she emphasized.
The HRH chairperson also took advantage of the presser to condemn ‘in strongest’ terms the attitude of some Malawians who are allegedly stigmatizing nurses and other healthcare workers by calling them names such as “corona”.
Government spokesperson Mark Botomani has been saying government is already doing a lot to create an enabling environment for nurses and healthcare workers in response to Covid-19.
There is a global shortage of PPE. Even rich countries are struggling to find them. Money alone is not enough
WHO has given Malawi government billions of Kwachas to assist combat Covid19, what are you doing with the money you selfish people. Release the money so that it cater for the PPEs
Taken for granted that most of your requests are right, why didn’t you address earlier these problems to the Government? Since January 2020 Coronavirus-19 has been daily the topic of the news worldwide. Where were you? Your coming out now, although your requests are legitimate, sounds like a blackmail. And in this situation I find it very unprofessional to strike. Have you forgotten the Hyppocratic oath for doctors of which I will quote two sentences: “I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity, I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to… Read more »
Stupid comment, stupid person
Suppose you were one of the Doctors, would you?
These guys knows what is happening out there my friend. They are parents to their kids, brothers to their sisters, sisters to their brothers, uncles to their nephews and so on! I your Oath which you quoted, they didn’t say without Protective Equipment, are you aware that the Covid19 Team is full thieves?
Let not our Doctors being taken like Nkhosa kokaphedwa.
Munasankha nokha ntchito imenei so get up go to work. Or denounce your professional membership,
What a comment from chiswa B.
At least the people you are teasing helped your mother at the Labour ward during your pregnancy.
Chikapanda anganya amenewa , ukanapitilira. So respect them please .
This government is stupid always promises and lies
it appears like the game is to start.
Where are the billions from WHO?
Aren’t healthcare workers a priority?
I think it is high time this DPP should know what it means to run the Government. I mean you are just using the Doctors and Nurses without giving them enough protective gear? This is nonsense! I told you these people who are leading this Country are bloody thieves! Lats time we heard the Minister saying, the Government need K100 Billion but they only have K2 Billion after two days we heard the President of DPP saying, they want K150 Billion, you ask yourself, do we really have leadership in this Country? The amount mentioned by the so called minister,… Read more »