Malawian health workers demand 14,400 recruits or threaten strike
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Nation Malawi
Malawian health professionals threaten to gradually withdraw services after an ultimatum demanding the recruitment of more than 14,400 qualified staff expired. The action could begin with a tactical labour withdrawal before a nationwide strike, reports The Nation Malawi.
Malawi’s health professionals are threatening to gradually withdraw their services from public facilities after a 14-day ultimatum to President Peter Mutharika’s government expired. The Human Resources for Health Coalition, which includes doctors and nurses, is demanding the recruitment of more than 14,400 qualified health professionals, according to The Nation Malawi.
Its chairperson Solomon Chomba announced a strategy of gradually withdrawing labour before a possible nationwide strike. The coalition is also seeking a response on shortages of gloves and medicines as well as overwork in health facilities, reports The Nation Malawi.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation says it has begun a recruitment process. The Office of the President and Cabinet also says the government is recruiting health workers. The list drawn up by the coalition includes 95 doctors, 118 pharmacists, 413 pharmacy technicians, 1,250 pharmacy assistants, 541 laboratory professionals and 75 radiologists and sonographers.
The threat follows the 14-day ultimatum issued to the Malawian government on 28 October 2026 by health unions, which were already demanding action on staffing levels and working conditions.
