Zambia: Health Authorities in Zambezi District hospital asked the government to help in enhancing the security at the hospital. The stakeholders have shared that the district hospital need a perimeter wall for enhanced security and safety measures.
The  Hospital Administrator, William Sibajene has spoken to the media about the need and necessity of the new construction. The officials have shared that the members of the community ned the enhanced safety for quality healthcare.
Sibajene, said the hospital has experienced numerous challenges resulting from lack of a wall fence. The community is fearful about their safety and have been wary of coming to the hospital as a result.
Sabajene said that the problem has been present in the hospital for a long time now. The hospital has had no wall fence which is a critical component in mitigating security risks and other pressing issues.
He believes that the situation is negatively affecting the health facility. Further, due to lack of a perimeter wall around the hospital, the facility continues to encounter challenges such as human-animal conflict.
Sabajene informed the media that that roaming animals enter hospital ground and frequently intrude upon the hospital premises. They use the grounds as grazing area as well as a source of water.
He added that the situation has since posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of patients and staff. Â Sabajane also noted that apart from animals intruding on the premises, marketers have also taken advantage of the situation.
The marketers also enter the hospital land without the permission of the authorities, which disrupts healthcare delivery
He further indicated that apart from encroachment, traders have also resorted to using hospital facilities such as toilets, a situation he described as unfortunate.
“Such encroachment not only compromises the hospital’s integrity but also jeopardises the health and safety standards upheld within the institution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabajene has called on government and other stakeholders to come to the aid of the hospital by constructing a mother’s shelter, saying the current infrastructure is not adequate and is dilapidated.
He labelled the current mothers shelter as a death trap which needs urgent attention.