Maravi

There is general frustration among health workers – striking doctors

There is general frustration among health workers – striking doctors
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 29 Sep. 2010, 04:01 CAT

SOME doctors at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka have disclosed that there is a general frustration among health practitioners due to government's insensitivity to their demands.

In an interview yesterday after a check at UTH on the second day of the strike by doctors, the source said there was more to the situation than met the eye. The source said among the things frustrating doctors was a lack of proper equipment to use.

"In a way we are also protesting about the lack of proper equipment to use. Our demands do not just include things that benefit us as doctors, no. We do not want to be misunderstood by the nation that we do not have a heart. We want to serve the people wholeheartedly, but how can we do that without equipment? Can you imagine a situation where you want to work to the best of your ability but there's no equipment, how would you feel my brother?" the source asked.

"Just to refresh your memory, recently President Rupiah Banda commissioned a theatre at Chawama here in Lusaka. And for your information, the equipment they took there came from UTH. Of course we saw some justification in your paper by the health minister Kapembwa Simbao that there was enough equipment at UTH. That is far from the truth; the minister was just politicking. In fact, that move has left this institution ill-equipped."

The source complained that other necessary equipment at the hospital were in short supply.

"For example, for a long time we have been struggling with the lack of X-RAY material. This is an issue that has been on the table for a long time, but someone up there doesn't seem to bother. No matter how good you are as a blacksmith, can you make anything without proper tools? In fact, let me just tell you that if you see other health personnel joining in the strike don't be shocked. But we just hope that the government reasons," said the source.

And a check at UTH, Chawama and Chilenje clinics revealed long queues of patients waiting to be attended to.

On Monday, doctors in all public health institutions resolved to go on strike demanding better conditions of service.

Resident Doctors Association vice-president Dr Amon Ngongola confirmed at a briefing in Lusaka.

And Zambia Medical Association secretary general Dr Robert Zulu expressed concern that the strike jeopardised negotiations between his association and the government.

Labels: HEALTHCARE, UTH

posted by MrK @ 9:50 AM