Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambican Health Minister Ussene Isse has promised to be “implacable” towards health workers who treat their patients arrogantly, “because the people must not suffer because of the behaviour of some individuals”.
Isse was speaking in Maputo on Monday, at the launch of a “health and welfare week”, that forms part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Mozambican independence.
He warned that health professionals who mistreat patients must change their behaviour. “When people go from their homes to the hospital, they go to get hope”, he said. “But when they arrive, they find arrogance. The patients are badly treated. When a sick person arrives, the health worker is on the phone, he’s listening to music, and he begins to write the prescription. He doesn’t speak with the patient”.
“If I’m lying, you can tell me”, added Isse. “I know about this, because I was in the hospital before I became a Minister. I was there day and night. I know what our weaknesses are. So let’s correct them. Everything is in our hands to correct matters”.
He promised to crack down against arrogance among health staff. “I shall be implacable towards this kind of practice”, said Isse. “I’m not going to forgive. The people cannot suffer because of one individual. I won’t allow it”.
“I want you to be vigilant”, he told his audience. “Each of you must be vigilant. You have to help your colleagues. Don’t allow arrogance to take them over. We don’t want this kind of practice when caring for our people”.
Isse added that he expects to count on all professionals in the sector for the construction of an ever stronger and more robust health system
“I want the public service to meet what the people want. And it’s not much”, said the Minister. “The people don’t want luxury. The people want a good hospital. They want to arrive at hospital and be well attended. They want to find a good bed, a sheet and a blanket to cover them. They want food in the hospital. They want to receive medicines in the pharmacy. That’s what the people need. Nothing else”.
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