The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mphu Ramatlapeng has called for efficiency and self-respect among Machabeng Government Hospital staff.

Addressing the staff at a meeting held at the hospital premises on Monday, the Minister said hospital employees have the obligation to lower the death rate by providing good and quality services to patients in their district.

Dr Ramatlapeng indicated that such status could be achieved if the entire hospital staff is efficient and punctual to their work and having self-respect towards each other.

The Minister said nursing officers, their Assistants and Ward attendants play key role in preventing deaths in the hospital, therefore urged them to be loyal to their work and provide outstanding services to patients.

Dr Ramatlapeng commented that similar attitude should not only centre around the main hospital, but should also be extended to the clinics, further urging nursing assistants that working at the clinics to abide by the rules and work at their directed work stations.

Dr Ramatlapeng further expressed dissatisfaction over Anti-Retro viral Therapy (ART) sessions that are not well conducted and managed in the district.

She encouraged HIV/AIDS unit to work hard in ensuring that community knows about the pandemic, she further discouraged the use of alcohol and other drugs by staff members while on duty.

One of the hospital management team, Mr. Teboho Magumela promised the minister and her delegation that hospital staff will work hard in delivering quality services to the community.

He however, attributed mismanagement of clinics to lack of accessible roads leading to such clinics, expressing hope that construction of a bridge across Senqu valley would improve and speed up health services among the communities across the Senqu River in Qacha's Nek.

The Minister's visit was preceded by a closed meeting between herself, the delegation and the hospital management to address daily issues that affect the hospital staff.

The Minister’s delegation included the ministry's Principal Secretary, Director General, Directors, Chief Nursing Officer and Financial Controller.

Source: LENA 15/04/2008