By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Chingola’s Nchanga Member of Parliament, Derricky Chilundika, has voiced his deep concern regarding the ongoing issue plaguing Clinic One. A vital healthcare institution, the clinic has been grappling with a persistent lack of electricity in select wards, a situation that has persisted for several months now.
Particularly affected by this power outage are the clinic’s maternity wing and the essential security lights illuminating the exterior of the facility.
Moved by the reports of concerned members of the public, Mr. Chilundika promptly conducted a personal assessment of the clinic to evaluate the extent of the issue. This proactive step reflects his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by his constituents head-on.
Working in tandem with his dedicated team of Councillors, Mr Chilundika has taken decisive action to initiate the process of restoring power to the wards that have been adversely affected by the outage. This collaborative effort underscores the MP’s determination to swiftly rectify the situation and restore the clinic’s functionality to optimal levels.
Presenting the perspective of the institution, Petronella Mandona, who serves as the sister in charge at Clinic One, candidly discussed the plight the staff has been grappling with. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, she revealed that certain wards within the facility have been operating in darkness due to the lack of electricity. This challenging circumstance has significantly impeded the staff’s ability to carry out their duties effectively, particularly during night shifts when patient care demands peak attention.
Ms. Mandona also shed light on the concerning impact of the power outage on patient care. The inability to provide adequate lighting during nighttime hours has hindered the clinic’s ability to attend to patients effectively, potentially jeopardizing the quality of medical care they receive. Furthermore, she underscored the compromised security situation at the health facility. The absence of security lights outside the clinic premises has created an atmosphere of insecurity, leaving staff members anxious about their safety while on duty.
As the collaboration between Mr. Chilundika, his Councillors, and the clinic’s personnel gains momentum, there is a growing optimism that a solution will soon be realised. The combined efforts of these dedicated individuals serve as a testament to the power of community engagement and proactive leadership in addressing challenges that impact the well-being of constituents.