Maravi

Erring nurses should be punished if guilty - ZMA

Erring nurses should be punished if guilty - ZMA
By Masuzyo Chakwe and Sandra Lombe
Thursday September 20, 2007 [04:00]

THE Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has said disciplinary measures should be taken against the nurses that were allegedly beaten if cases of negligence on part of the victims are established. Commenting on the recent beating up of nurses in Lusaka and Mazabuka, ZMA president Dr Swebby Macha and secretary general Dr Ameck Kamanga appealed to the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands.

The duo said that physical violence against any person was a criminal offence that was punishable according to the Laws of Zambia. They said beating a government worker on duty, a nurse or any health worker was unacceptable, inexcusable and should not be condoned.

"The Zambia Medical Association demands that in all the four reported cases, the law should take its course and if anyone is found guilty of assault, maximum penalties to be executed against the culprit.

In cases of negligence on the part of the victim, we expect full corrective disciplinary measures in accordance with government standing orders to be given," they stated. "We hope that together, we shall improve the care of our patients by working within the law, respecting and treating each other with compassion and dignity as human beings."

They appealed to members of the public to render support to health workers and not condemn them as they strive to provide quality healthcare under difficult conditions.

Recently, a Lusaka police officer is alleged to have severely beaten up two University Teaching Hospital (UTH) nurses after the child he had taken to the hospital died. Another nurse at Mtendere clinic is alleged to have been beaten up by a woman on Tuesday evening after she suggested that the patient be taken to another clinic due to lack of electricity at Mtendere Clinic.

Another nurse is also said to have been beaten up by a man at Chikombola Clinic in Mazabuka for delaying to treat his sick child.

Labels: NURSES, ZMA

posted by MrK @ 5:28 AM