Physicians Association of Malawi (PAUM) says it is yet to make a decision on whether to accept the revised risk allowances by the Ministry of Health in response to their demands.

Earlier this week, government bowed down to pressure from striking healthcare workers to revise upwards their risk allowances with those on higher grades expected to be pocketing K60,000 from K1,800.

But the government has remained mum on demands by striking healthcare workers to be provided protective gear amid coronavirus pandemic.

PAUM president Solomon Chombo told YFM o Tuesday that their members are not happy because the ministry’s response has only tackled one part leaving out other demands.

Chombo alleged that the ministry’s response to the demands is political.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) says it has been engaging the government to address the crisis.

MHEN Executive Director George Jobe said that as an institution they have been offering advice to government on how it should resolve the standoff.

Jobe said there has been some progress which has been witnessed including increment of risk allowances.

The sit-in by healthcare workers which commenced earlier this week, has since grounded operations at Malawi’s largest referral, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

Malawi has, so far, 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Two deaths have been registered so far.