Information reaching this publication indicates that hospital attendants, ward clerks, laundry assistants and other concerned healthcare workers have today embarked on a national wide strike over salary arrears now at MK45 billion.

A visit to Zomba Central Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Nsanje District Hospital, faceofmalawi reporters found the said workers just hovering outside hospital premises.

Some were seen in groups playing bawo, while others dancing to various songs.

Leader of the concerned health workers National Initiative Balawala Vingula confirmed of the strike in an interview with the press.

Vingula said the arrears date back from 18 years ago.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe has expressed shock over the strike, saying Ministry planned to hold talks with the representative of the striking staff this coming Thursday.

Chikumbe said the striking staff could have waited for the outcome of the meeting.