Joel Moyo President of Anesthesia Association of Malawi says such equipment has been in use 1980s in most district hospitals , which put lives of patients at risks.

He said for several times the association has been petitioning government through the Ministry of Health asking for solutions but this has not received positive feedback.

Moyo said during a meeting conducted by the executive committee for the association in Lilongwe Monday, they resolved to ask the ministry to address this in 21 days , else the Anesthetic Clinical Officers will take an industrial action.

"Even mission hospitals have old equipment. Most of them were procured in 1986 and you cannot even have their spare parts. They are old and not safe for practice."

"It's not something new we are requesting from government, we have sent petitions several times," said Moyo.

The health workers also demand promotions from government saying some of them have been at one grade for twenty years.

"Most of our members have been on Grade K for over 20 years and some are retiring, out there they are saying this is not right," said Moyo.

Ministry of Health Spokesperson Joshua Malango asked for more time before commenting on the matter.

The country has about 200 Anesthetic Clinical Officers working in various health facilities according to the association.