MKOBA South opposition legislator John Kuka has expressed concern over limited visiting time at public hospitals saying it disadvantages patients from getting help from their relatives.
Speaking recently in the National Assembly during a question and answer segment, Kuka said allowing people more time to visit patients can help close the gap of staff shortages at the health institutions.
“We urge the government to restore hospital visitation policies in general hospitals due to staff shortages,” Kuka said.
“Allowing family members to visit and support their loved ones can help fill the gap in care including assisting with medication, given the current shortages in our hospitals.”
The legislator said before the COVID-19 era, hospital visiting hours were reduced to one visit per day with limited number of visitors per patient, but some hospitals are yet to revisit the limitation post the pandemic era.
In response, Health deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini, however, said limiting visits was meant to curb infections that outsiders could bring to hospitals.
He said the visiting hours at public hospitals were adequate enough for visitors to interact with their sick relatives.
- Young entrepreneur dreams big
- Chibuku NeShamwari holds onto ethos of culture
- Health talk: Be wary of measles, its a deadly disease
- Macheso, Dhewa inspired me: Chinembiri
