Cham appeals for government support
The Christian Health Association of Malawi (Cham) has said it is not able to recruit health care workers since 2012 and has neither been able to offer promotions to staff since 2010 because of lack of resources.
According to Cham Board Chairperson, Timothy Nyasulu, Cham can recruit and offer promotions if government assists it.
Nyasulu made the remarks yes terday at Cham’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in Lilongwe. He said the 50-year journey has not been easy because of financial hurdles.
“Cham, as an institution, has not been able to recruit healthcare workers since 2012, yet the Ministry of Health has been given assistance to recruit up to 1,200 health care workers. Government can extend to Cham some of the assistance in order for us to recruit and offer promotions,” he said.
Nyasulu further urged the ministry to live up to the five-year long Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) which has been signed with government.
He also appealed to government to settle the service level agreement debt that it owes Cham saying the money can be used to support Cham activities.
Episcopal Conference (ECM) Secretary General, Henry Saindi, who was in attendance, said government should collaborate with other stakeholders to manage the health needs of the population.
“It is encouraging to see that the partnership between Cham and the government continues through the Memorandum of Understanding signed this year. To manage the health needs of the population, government cannot work alone,” he said.
Cham offers a diverse range of healthcare and has 181 facilities which include 11 training colleges, 20 hospitals and 90 healthcare centres with maternity services among others.
Minister of Health, Peter Kumpalume, was not available for comment, but officials from the ministry are expected to attend the anniversary celebration today.
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