Ambulance shortage hits KK hospital

Referral services at Nkhotakota District Hospital have suffered as the medical facility has one ambulance which ferries patients from rural health centres dotted across the district.

This was revealed when a group of Nkhotakota Community Radio women listeners cheered the sick at the hospital on Monday where they donated assorted items worth K100 000.

Clinical superintendent Jimmy Phiri said the hospital is faced with many challenges. He also said inadequate funding is compelling the facility to cut down on some of the services.

Sources at the hospital say in-patients are getting on lunch and breakfast.

The hospital services a population of over 400 000.

Phiri disclosed that two ambulances have gone for servicing, but could not say when they will be back on the roads.

“At the moment, we only have one ambulance which is operating in the district. Another ambulance is also at the garage and the remaining one is grounded at the car park,” he said.

On the donation, Phiri commended the women, saying it would alleviate some of the problems patients face. He encouraged other well-wishers to emulate the gesture.

Chairperson for the group, Gift Tembo, said they felt duty-bound to make the donation after learning that patients at the facility were in need. n