Dr Chilufya said at a media briefing yesterday that there is no need for the public to panic and speculate about the health of Dr Kaunda, who he said is responding well to treatment.
“Doctors will not be rushed to discharge him; however, this does not mean that he is very sick, he is being taken for physiotherapy for other old ailments,” Dr Chilufya said.
The minister, who later visited the former President, provided an opportunity for journalists to take pictures as proof that he was not on life support machines as speculated on social media.
And State House has described the health of the former President as stable and well enough to be discharged soon.
Special assistant to the President for press and public relations Amos Chanda said in a statement that doctors are conducting a comprehensive routine medical check-up on the former President.
“Following Dr Kaunda’s admission to hospital, State House has been receiving calls from foreign governments and international media, especially in the wake of fake reports announcing the demise of the revered statesman and some of the reports actually quoted the public broadcaster, ZNBC,” Mr Chanda said.
Mr Chanda has since advised the media to maintain basic decency in reporting and avoid unethical conduct.
He said Dr Chilufya would be giving routine updates on the matter whenever necessary.
KK went to UTH just fine. Why has become a patient? Please take him to Namibia where his medical files are.
Dr. Chitalu Chilufya is a very healthy Doctor. Wish all Zambians could emulate his life style.
Former Presidents have their own offices and usually own Spokespersons. Anyone else purporting to speak for that office is likely to distort the scenario as has happened here.
Hats off to the Minister of Health who diplomatically told them off.
Amos Chanda should resign for alarming people. He lied that KK was to be discharged that day or following day. Its unethical to speak on behalf of doctors.
In fact no one believes there was ever phone calls to state house.
Kwik get katongo to act on her pronouncement re alarming news. Tbis man is a national icon there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth in the streets when he passes.
@Mwikala apatalala take it easy. Emulate Dr. Chilufya?!
In advanced countries only the hospital will provide a spokesman to give daily updates. Mostly it’s the doctor in charge of the patient. This way you avoid conflicting information and get orderly updates. Can we try this in Zambia?