Health workers laud Rupiah

By ALEX NJOVU

 

THE Health Workers Union of Zambia (HWUZ) has commended President Banda for his administration’s decision to take over payment of salaries to doctors and nurses at Beit Cure Hospital in Lusaka.
Mr Banda has directed the Ministry of Health to begin the process of taking over the payment of salaries to the Beit Cure Hospital doctors and nurses.
HWUZ general secretary Lewis Mukosha said in Ndola yesterday that President Banda should be commended for the move.
“This is what we call development,” Mr Mukosha said.
He said President Banda’s gesture demonstrates that he is the father of the nation. Mr Mukosha urged Mr Banda to continue implementing prudent policies to develop the health sector.
“This is welcome news and it is long overdue. The workers at Beit Cure Hospital have been working on voluntary basis for a long time but we are happy that they have been empowered,” MrMukosha said.
He said HWUZ is happy that President Banda’s administration has continued pursuing good policies in the health sector.
Mr Mukosha urged health personnel at Beit Cure Hospital to work hard and continue serving patients diligently. He said President Banda’s government has demonstrated commitment to developing the country.
He hopes some disgruntled politicians and organisations will not politiciseMr Banda’s good gesture.
On April 20, President Banda said Government will take over payment of salaries to doctors and nurses at Beit Cure Hospital.
The President made the announcement after touring the hospital which specialises in the treatment of children with disabilities.
And the MMD and some civil society organisations have commended Government’s decision to pay the Beit Cure nurses and doctors.
MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu said Mr Banda’s gesture is an indication that he is a caring President who wants to promote and improve the quality of life in Zambia.
MrNyangu said in an interview yesyerday in Lusaka that President Banda should be commended for appreciating the services Beit Cure health personnel provide to the needy.
“This is a caring President and he wants to ensure that the health sector, like any other sector, is recognised, appreciated and improved,” he said.
Mr Nyangu said Mr Banda’s decision will motivate the staff at the private hospital to work even harder for the benefit of patients.
And the Committee of Citizens, Forum for Leadership Search and Leadership in Development say Government’s decision is commendable.
Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire said that Government has shown care and concern by taking over the payment of salaries for doctors and nurses at the private hospital.
“I would love to commend President Banda for participating in saving the lives of Zambians. This goes to show that he is a leader who understands the problems of his people,” Mr Chifire said.
He said doctors at Beit Cure sacrifice to deal with critical health problems and it is commendable that Government has decided to participate in contributing to improving health care by volunteering to pay wages for medical staff at Beit Cure.
Mr Chifire advised opposition parties not to politicise the development but commend Mr Banda for the gesture.
Forum for Leadership Search executive director Edwin Lifwekelo said doctors and nurses are critical to the well-being of Zambians.
“Zambians should commend President Banda for this heartfelt move he has taken to recognise and appreciate the services doctors and nurses at Beit Cure are providing to Zambians,” MrLifwekelo said.
Meanwhile, management of Kitwe Central Hospital (KCH) has refuted a report that Government has transferred essential equipment and staff to the Ndeke mini-hospital and the mobile hospitals President Banda commissioned.
KCH public relations manager Grey Chishimba said it is not true that essential equipment has been transferred to the mini-hospital and mobile hospitals.
The Post newspaper reported in it's edition that Government has allegedly transferred some essential equipment, materials and personnel from health institutions to the Ndeke mini-hospital and mobile hospital.
The tabloid alleged that items such as ultrasound gel, printer and X-ray thermal paper had been moved from Kitwe Central Hospital to impress President Banda.
He said it is not possible to move equipment from the biggest hospital in Kitwe to the mini hospital.