HOME Affairs Deputy Minister Nickson Chilangwa (second left), Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya (second right) and Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya (right) listen to nursing officer Albertina Lubinga (left) during the tour of Chienge District Hospital in Luapula Province. This was shortly after the hospital was officially opened on Saturday. Picture by CHUSA SICHONE.

By CHUSA SICHONE-
HOME Affairs Deputy Minister Nickson Chilangwa has clarified that he does not encourage the beating or harassment of nurses by agitated patients.
Addressing nurses at the newly-opened Chienge District Hospital in Luapula Province on Saturday, Mr Chilangwa said his recent remarks on nurses during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new hospital in his constituency in Kawambwa were misrepresented.
“Last time we were in Kawambwa when we were groundbreaking for the construction of a new hospital I said some words, which some people misinterpreted. The words I said whilst in Kawambwa were that please look after your patients very, very well.
“There is a tendency where some people opt to abandon their stations to go and do other things without caring for what they are paid for. Patients are getting agitated and some nurses may get beaten. I never said that we are going to be beating nurses where we find nurses. No,” he said.
Mr Chilangwa, who is Patriotic Front (PF) Luapula Province chairperson, said he was reminding the nurses of their calling of taking care of patients.
Mr Chilangwa assured that Government would ensure it protected nurses from harassment but implored nurses to do their part by adhering to their calling.
“So we are trying to ask you to please uphold your calling because nursing as a profession is a calling, it is a calling I believe because you are caring for those who cannot care for themselves. You are going to get the support from all of us but we are also asking you to do your part.
“We shall protect you to ensure that you are not harassed, we shall ensure that we support you in every way possible,” he said.
Health Minister Joseph Kasonde in remarks delivered by his deputy Chitalu Chilufya, reiterated his appeal to nurses to uphold the three C’s encompassing care, cleanliness and competence as they discharged their duties.
“The Honourable Minister of Health Dr Kasonde has one message for you: care for patients, in a clean environment, competently, three C’s,” he said.