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—-Operations at Nsokolo Rural Health Centre in Mbala district of Northern Province have been paralysed following the chasing of the only nurse at the institution by the chief in the area for allegedly not working according people’s expectations.
Lapisha ward councillor, Vincent Zombe, confirmed the development to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Mbala today.
Mr Zombe said it has been a week now since the operations at the health centre came to a halt after senior chief Nsokolo ordered the male nurse to leave his chiefdom.
The area councillor said the male nurse was chased by the chief on allegations that he failed to call for an ambulance from Mbala to ferry a patient to the general hospital for further treatment.
But when contacted for a comment, Senior Chief Nsokolo confirmed having ordered the nurse to vacate the health institution because it is traditionally not acceptable for a man to attend to pregnant mothers.
The traditional leader also expressed displeasure at the conduct of the nurse whom he accused of paying particular attention to maternal cases at the expense of other illnesses.
The senior chief has since appealed to government to consider sending a female officer to the area with whom pregnant mothers will be comfortable.
And reacting to the chief’s action, Mbala district medical officer, Christopher Kombe said it is difficult for his office to send another officer there because there is shortage of man power in the district.
Dr Kombe also regretted the action taken by the traditional leader, saying he should have been consulted before chasing away the nurse who has created a vacuum at the health institution.
He said the action has instilled fear on other officers who may be reluctant to go and serve in that community citing victimisation from the traditional leadership.
