Solwezi District Commissioner Tradeson Mulofwa has urged health personnel in the district to uphold professionalism and adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct in the execution of their duties.
Speaking when he addressed health workers from Kimasala, Urban Clinic and Mushitala health facilities, Mr Mulofwa stressed that the health sector is critical to national productivity and must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
He noted that the government has prioritized healthcare by recruiting more personnel and improving the supply of essential medicines, adding that Solwezi District currently has about 80 percent availability of essential drugs.
“Government is making every effort to bring healthcare services closer to the people and will not tolerate any individuals attempting to frustrate these efforts,” said Mr Mulofwa.
He warned that drug pilferage is a serious offence, cautioning that any staff found guilty will face disciplinary action.
He added that it was unacceptable for patients to be given prescriptions for medicines that are already supplied to health facilities.
The District Commissioner also spoke strongly against the mistreatment of patients and said he would continue making unannounced visits to health facilities to monitor performance and conduct.
“You are under oath and I expect you to remain professional at all times,” he said.
Mr Mulofwa further warned health workers against paying volunteers to cover their shifts, a practice he described as dishonest and unacceptable.
“If I find that you have paid a volunteer K80 or K100 to cover for you while you attend to personal errands, I will recommend that the volunteer take your job. Have you now become employers?” he asked.
He called on general workers to maintain cleanliness in and around health facilities to help prevent disease outbreaks.
Mr Mulofwa also urged health staff to report issues such as lack of water or electricity directly to his office for quick resolution.
“If your facility has a problem with power or water, let me know immediately so we can act,” he added.
Meanwhile, Solwezi District Health Director Yvonne Simfukwe announced the suspension of volunteer service provision in the district until further notice.
Dr Simfukwe urged facility in-charges to ensure all staff report for duty and do their jobs effectively.
“I will not tolerate in-charges hiding such information,” said Dr. Simfukwe, who also warned against the existence of cartels within the health system, saying they were undermining service delivery.
“There is no way a facility can have 30 people on paper but only two physically present. Where are the rest?” she questioned.
And Solwezi District Nursing Officer Lucia Chisanga encouraged nurses to maintain professionalism and help change the public perception of the nursing profession for the benefit of future generations.
What a long story about nothing. Health professionals are taught codes of conduct during their training not by politicians who have nothing to do in their offices so they decide to hold useless time wasting meetings.