Salima hospital staff boycott meals
There was drama at Salima District Hospital on Wednesday when angry staff on night shift boycotted institutional food.
The disgruntled staff dumped food warmers in which the meal was served at the offices of the district health officer (DHO), district nursing officer (DNO) and principal administrator (PA).
In an interview, one of the concerned members of staff who did not want to be named said they took that action against the administration because they feel they are being “treated like animals and not professionals”.
“We are given nsima and beans whenever we are on night shifts. If there is a change, then its cabbage yet the menu shows that we are eating chicken, beef and eggs,” said the source.
The source said it was the same case with patients admitted to the hospital whose menu indicates they eat meat and fish; instead they are served with vegetables.
In an interview, hospital administrator George Ziwa confirmed the boycott.
He, however, said the workers’ action was uncalled for because it was already communicated to them “there will be a slight change in meals for those on night shifts due to circumstances beyond the administration’s control”.
“But I am optimistic they will understand the situation,” said Ziwa.
The hospital is among many public health facilities in the country hit by a myriad of problems.
Man sentenced to 10 years for defilement
Davie Munkhondya
Malawi News Agency
Kasungu First Grade Magistrate’s Court on Monday sentenced Babani Jagali, 28, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for defiling a 14-year-old girl.
Kasungu Police spokesperson Edwin Kaunda said in an interview the incident happened on May 26 2014 at Chiutete Village, T/A Wimbe in the district when the victim went to fetch firewood.
He said tests conducted at St. Andrews Private Hospital confirmed the girl was defiled.
“When the case came to court, State prosecutor Sergeant Griffin Luhanga paraded three witnesses, but the suspect pleaded not guilty and the court adjourned to a later date for further hearing,” said Kaunda.
He said Jangali later admitted to have defiled the girl and magistrate Kingsley Buleya sentenced him to 120 months imprisonment.
“The magistrate said the convict deserved stiff punishment because rape and defilement cases are on the increase in the district,” said Kaunda.
Jangali comes from Mtende Village, T/A Khombedza in Salima
Last week the same court sentenced Alberito Mvula, 30, to 11 years imprisonment with hard labour for being found guilty of raping a 17-year-old girl.
