Nursing lecturer eyes union presidency with pledge on uniforms and pay

A senior nursing lecturer at Mzuzu University has thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency of the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives (NONM), promising to tackle long-standing grievances over uniforms and pay if elected in November.

Dr Griffin Baxter Chirambo told Nyasa Times he believes he is the right candidate to lead the organisation, speaking on Saturday morning as he took part in a fundraising walk in support of nursing students facing financial hardship.

Chirambo, who previously served as the organisation’s Vice President, said one of his priorities would be ending the practice of nurses having to buy their own uniforms.

“Uniformed public professions are supposed to be provided with uniforms by government. This is the case with the MDF, the Malawi Police Service and even game rangers,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate that nurses are buying uniforms themselves. I will lobby for an end to this.”

He also pledged to push for improved salaries for nurses and midwives, along with more consistent and timely promotions within the profession.

“We have always seen mass promotions in other ministries like education, but this does not happen with nurses. It’s an issue that I will also take seriously,” he added.

The NONM presidential election is scheduled for 27 November, with Chirambo among those expected to contest the top position.