BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawians have been left in a panic mode following the unexpected resignation of President of the Society of Medical Doctors Dr. Amos Nyaka amid the Covid-19 outbreak which has claimed lives of about 60 000 people worldwide.

Nyaka, who tendered his resignation on Saturday, has resigned from his post with immediate effect.

His resignation comes barely two days after President Peter Mutharika announced three confirmed Covid-19 cases.

In a letter to the Society, Dr Nyaka attributes his resignation to exigencies of his public service to the nation and in the context of the rapidly evolving events in the country.

“Due to the exigencies of my public service to the nation and in the context of the rapidly evolving events in our country, I write to tender my resignation as the President of the Society of Medical Doctors with immediate effect,” reads the letter, addressed to Society’s Secretary General.

As Malawi Government is yet to comment on the matter, Malawians who spoke to Maravi Post have expressed fears that the doctor might consider resigning from the post after some disagreements with the government task force which is composed of cabinet ministers.

“It is very terrible. I suspect that the government officials were pushing for something he was not happy with as a professional doctor,” said James Mphalasa, a Blantyre resident.

“We are very worried considering the situation we are in. it is our humble plea that the politicians must stop politicizing this very critical issue. It is about life and death,” he added.

Writing on Facebook page, LordDenning QB said “He (Nyaka) was told to shut up or honorably resign” after he demanded for Government to recruit more Health Workers; ensure adequate availability of Personal Protective Equipment for Health Workers Safety; and reconsideration of Health Workers’ Remuneration in the wake of national response to the deadly virus.

On Thursday, April 2, President Peter Mutharika confirmed the country’s first three cases of coronavirus disease. According to Mutharika, the cases involved a resident of Lilongwe who travelled to India, one of their relatives and their maid.