The Malawi Health Equity Network (Mhen) has called on the Ministry of Health to put in place adequate safety measures to prevent stampedes during walk-in interviews for various healthcare cadres scheduled for November 20 to 22. The organisation expressed concern about the likelihood of large numbers attending the interviews, as experienced before, and urged the government to ensure candidates are protected. Mhen board chairperson Yandura Chipeta and executive director George Jobe co-signed the statement.
The Ministry of Health announced that it would conduct the interviews in all four regions of the country, following the securing of funds from the Global Fund. The recruitment of healthcare workers aims to ensure effective service delivery and equitable access to healthcare. The Ministry of Health spokesperson, Benedicto Mbewe, did not provide further information but said he would revert.
Mhen commended the government for the planned recruitment but called for a merit-based recruitment process free from favouritism and political interference. The organisation also urged the government to implement deliberate measures to improve staff retention, motivation, and professional development. According to Mhen, a stronger health system requires not only recruiting new health workers but also recognising, motivating, and creating career progression opportunities for those already serving Malawians.
However, Mhen expressed concern about qualified healthcare workers already serving in the public health system who have upgraded their qualifications but remain in junior positions. The organisation suggested that such workers should be given a fair opportunity to compete for senior positions. Mhen also proposed that the government fill junior positions to create additional employment opportunities while retaining experienced personnel within the health system.
The walk-in interviews will be held in various locations across the country, including Chichiri Secondary School Hall, Mulanje District Council Hall, and Nchalo Teacher Development Centre (TDC) in the Southern Region. In the Eastern Region, interviews will be conducted at Zomba Urban Secondary School, while in the Central Region, they will be held at Kasungu TDC and Umbwi Secondary School Hall. In the Northern Region, interviews will take place at Katoto Secondary School Hall and Karonga Teachers’ Training College.
Among the healthcare workers targeted for recruitment are senior medical officers, senior biomedical engineers, clinical officers, laboratory technologists, nursing officers, health promotion officers, clinical technicians, pharmacy technicians, nurse-midwife technicians, assistant environmental health officers, laboratory technicians, biomedical technicians, medical assistants, and community midwife assistants.
National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Mbewe and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences lecturer Andrew Kaponya have expressed concerns about the walk-in interview approach, citing risks to both candidates and interviewers. Mhen urged the Ministry of Health to introduce proper crowd management measures, including staggered reporting times, organised queues, adequate security personnel, clear entry and exit points, and sufficient interview panels.
Key points
- The Malawi Health Equity Network urges the Ministry of Health to implement safety measures to prevent stampedes during walk-in interviews for healthcare cadres.
- The organisation calls for a merit-based recruitment process free from favouritism and political interference.
- Qualified healthcare workers who have upgraded their qualifications but remain in junior positions should be given a fair opportunity to compete for senior positions.
