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| National |
| KCH suspend services |
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by
Joseph Langa, 05 May 2005
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14:54:35
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The shortage of drugs and other medical supplies in the country’s hospitals has forced Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) to suspend surgical and other out patients’ services, an official confirmed on Wednesday.
KCH director Damson Kathyola said Wednesday the hospital’s theatre department has suspended most of its operations, saying almost all hospitals in the country have also done the same due to shortage of supplies.
Kathyola said the problem has also affected the outpatients department where, he said, some patients are turned away because there are no drugs.
“It’s a countrywide problem affecting all hospitals. It’s patients who have been affected most because sometimes we have no choice but to send them away when we don’t have the drugs,” said Kathyola.
A statement from the hospital’s Health Care Workers, who went on strike on Tuesday over the taxing of allowances, says most of those turned away are diabetic patients, casualties and those in need of antibiotics because the hospital has no gloves, insulin for diabetes and antibiotics.
“Working without these supplies is becoming more difficult and unbearable. It’s time our ministry did something to redress the situation otherwise the patients will not receive the desired quality care.
“As of now other departments like operating theatre are dealing with emergency cases only. All planned procedures have been suspended till these necessary supplies are in,” reads the letter in part.
Kathyola said the ministry has communicated that the drugs are on their way from South Africa and are expected to be in the country before the end of the week.
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