Nsama district runs out of drugs

—A serious shortage of essential drugs has hit two health centres in Nsama District in Northern Province.

This came to light when Provincial Minister, Obius Chisala, toured Nsama and Nsumbu Rural Health Centres yesterday.

Mr Chisala expressed shock to learn that patients with malaria were not being attended to due to lack of drug supplies at the two clinics.

The minister said it is unacceptable for health workers to give prescriptions to patients to go and buy medicine from drugs stores.

Mr Chisala has directed health authorities in Kaputa District and the provincial medical office to urgently send essential drugs to health centres in Nsama district to enable patients get medication.

Mr Chisala further expressed disappointment with poor working culture by health staff at Nsumbu Rural Health Centre.

He warned that he will not tolerate indiscipline among public service workers in the province.

Mr Chisala said the negative work attitude by some civil servants was not reflecting well on government and that stringent measures would be taken against the culprits.

And Mr Chisala has assured people of Nsama district that government is committed to constructing a new district hospital in the area.

The minister said it is the duty of government to make sure that quality health services were made accessible to the local people.

Currently, patients with critical ailments in Nsama district are referred to Mporokoso District Hospital for further medical attention.