Covid-19 Misinformation, violence on health workers concern medical associations

Four professional medical associations have expressed concern on rising cases of harassment and violence towards health workers as well as misinformation related to covid-19

The concern is contained in a joint press statement released by society of medical doctors SMD, medical association of Malawi MAM, medical doctors union of Malawi MDUM and women doctors association of Malawi WDAM

Dr Victor Mithi, Dr Grace Chiudzu, Dr Clara Sambani and Dr B Malewezi say over the past weeks there have been numerous reported incidents relating to harassment and assault of health care workers

They say in the past two weeks alone the associations received reports of guardians beating health workers following a covid-19 diagnosis of either their sick or deceased relation

Dr Mithi, Dr Chiudzu, Dr Sambani and Dr Malewezi said the incidents happened in Chilomoni health centre, Kamuzu central hospital, Balaka district hospital and most recently in Mchinji.

They say have therefore urged law enforcing agencies to enhance security provided to health workers

The professional medical associations have refuted rumours that their members are getting paid allowances for each death due to the pandemic

“We distance ourselves from reports that doctors and health workers are extracting organs from bodies of people that have succumbed to the disease,” Medical associations

In addition Dr Mithi, Dr Chiudzu, Dr Sambani and Dr Malewezi have said it is not true that doctors are mistreating patients, preventing entry of guardians in some isolation units due to sinister activities and dismissed rumours that covid vaccines have poisons developed by western countries.