Ministry of health and social services executive director Ben Nangombe has called on healthcare workers to provide quality services to patients visiting health facilities.
Nangombe says it is disheartening when reports reach the ministry of poor service rendered to patients.
He made these remarks recently in Windhoek.
Nangombe’s call comes at a time when issues of poor health service delivery have been reported at different health facilities countrywide.
“It is disheartening when reports reach us about less effective service delivery being provided to our people, where patients go to
facilities and are not treated in a good way,” Nangombe said.
He noted that he makes a point of taking health facility superintendents to task.
“I call them when I get a call. I call them also to say a patient or relatives are complaining about the treatment they are receiving at the
hands of your staff members.
“And this lack of compassion, where our healthcare workers would rather be on their cellphones than attending to patients, is disheartening,
honestly,” he said.
Oshikoto health director Joshua Nghipangelwa said nurses must read the Public Service Staff Rules, Public Service Act and the Constitution, which highlight human rights.
“Those are the documents that every worker must read and ensure that they are fulfilling their duties as per the laws,” Nghipangelwa
said.
“The issue of cellphone use is not commendable while attending to patients. Cellphones must be used wisely. Keep them aside and
attend to patients,” he said, adding that it doesn’t present a good image of the ministry.
“The issue of cellphone use does not only apply to nurses and doctors, but to any worker.
Any employee who forgets about their duties by getting distracted by the phone is not good.
Do your job well,” he said.
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