Health groups warn of stampede risk at walk-in interviews

The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) and the Universal Health Coverage Coalition (UHCC) have welcomed the ministry’s plan to recruit various cadres through walk-in interviews from November 20 to 22, 2026, funded by the Global Fund.

But in a press release dated November 6, 2026, and signed by MHEN board chairperson Yandura Chipeta and executive director, who also chairs UHCC, George Jobe, the groups warned of chaos unless the process is properly managed.

“Given the likelihood of large numbers of candidates attending the interviews as experienced before,

“Government should introduce proper crowd management measures, including staggered reporting times, organised queues, adequate security personnel, clear entry and exit points and sufficient interview panels,” the statement says.

Candidates should also receive clear information on reporting arrangements to prevent congestion and protect their safety, the groups added.

The organisations also raised concerns about serving health workers who have upgraded their qualifications but remain in junior posts.

They said these staff should be given a fair chance to compete for senior jobs that match their qualifications.

“It would be unfair and demotivating for newly recruited individuals to occupy senior positions while experienced serving officers, who have upgraded their qualifications and continued serving the Government, remain in junior positions without an opportunity for career progression,” the statement reads.

Where serving staff win the senior posts, the groups want the government to fill the junior posts they leave behind, creating jobs and keeping experienced workers in the system.

MHEN and UHCC insisted they were not calling for automatic promotion or the exclusion of outside candidates.

They want a transparent, merit-based process free from favouritism and political interference.

“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,” the statement says.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Health announced in a press release signed by Principal Secretary Dr Dan Namarika that it would hold the walk-in interviews in all four regions.