Malawi wants to send nurses overseas again, starting with Israel. Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda says talks have moved forward fast. Officials might sign papers as early as next month to make it happen.
The country faces a big problem with nurses who cannot find work. Many trained professionals sit at home because local hospitals hire very few people. Sending these skilled workers abroad creates jobs where none exist locally. The National Organization for Nurses and Midwives strongly backs this plan. Their president, Shouts Simeza, called it " much-needed help" that should have happened earlier.
Malawi's schools produce hundreds of fresh nurses each year from public and private programs. These graduates often remain unemployed as the government health system lacks money for new staff. The country previously sent nurses to countries like Britain but stopped this practice in 2021 because it feared losing its best medical talent. Supporters say careful rules can ensure that everyone benefits—nurses find jobs, and Malawi receives money transfers from workers abroad.
Health officials promise any agreement will protect nurse safety and legal rights. They plan to finish the exact details about how many people can apply and what job terms look like in the coming weeks. A nurse who graduated in 2022 expressed excitement about these possibilities. She remains ready to serve patients internationally and help her family back home. Success with Israel might open doors for Malawian nurses in other countries, creating a balance between local healthcare needs and global demand for trained professionals.
The country faces a big problem with nurses who cannot find work. Many trained professionals sit at home because local hospitals hire very few people. Sending these skilled workers abroad creates jobs where none exist locally. The National Organization for Nurses and Midwives strongly backs this plan. Their president, Shouts Simeza, called it " much-needed help" that should have happened earlier.
Malawi's schools produce hundreds of fresh nurses each year from public and private programs. These graduates often remain unemployed as the government health system lacks money for new staff. The country previously sent nurses to countries like Britain but stopped this practice in 2021 because it feared losing its best medical talent. Supporters say careful rules can ensure that everyone benefits—nurses find jobs, and Malawi receives money transfers from workers abroad.
Health officials promise any agreement will protect nurse safety and legal rights. They plan to finish the exact details about how many people can apply and what job terms look like in the coming weeks. A nurse who graduated in 2022 expressed excitement about these possibilities. She remains ready to serve patients internationally and help her family back home. Success with Israel might open doors for Malawian nurses in other countries, creating a balance between local healthcare needs and global demand for trained professionals.
