By Twink Jones Gadama
In a show of solidarity, the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM), the Physicians Assistants Union of Malawi (PAUM), and the Medical Doctors Union of Malawi (MDUM) have joined forces with the Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) and the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM).
This united front comes as the health workers’ unions demand that the government include health sector-specific allowances in the upcoming budget.
The three health workers’ unions, representing the majority of civil servants in the health sector, have written two reminders to the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, dated November 2, 2024, and January 13, 2025.
These reminders urged the minister to include the health sector-specific allowances in the budget, which were carried over from the Conciliatory Settlement Agreement dated June 24, 2024.
The health workers’ unions are planning to take similar action to that of the CSTU and TUM if the budget, set to be presented today, February 28, 2025, fails to include these critical allowances.
The unions argue that these allowances are essential to the welfare and motivation of nurses, midwives, doctors, physician assistants, and the entire health workforce, particularly in light of the prevailing economic hardships.
“We remain hopeful that these allowances have been captured in the budget to be presented today,” said Shouts M. Galang’anda, President of NONM. “We are committed to working with the government to ensure that the health sector receives the necessary support to deliver quality healthcare services to the people of Malawi.”
The health workers’ unions have emphasized that their demands are not only about their own welfare but also about the well-being of the patients they serve. “We are not just fighting for our rights; we are fighting for the right to quality healthcare for all Malawians,” said Simeza Solomon, President of PAUM.
The united front of health workers, civil servants, and teachers is a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between the government and public sector unions.
As the budget presentation approaches, all eyes are on the government to see if they will meet the demands of the unions and prioritize the welfare of public sector workers.
The health workers’ unions have urged the government to take their demands seriously and work towards finding a solution that benefits all parties involved. “We are committed to dialogue and willing to work with the government to find a solution that works for everyone,” said Dr. Henry Makowa, President of MDUM.
The government must now decide whether to prioritize the welfare of public sector workers or face the consequences of industrial action.
