Health minister ashamed by hospital thefts – aimnews.org

Maputo, 2 Apr (AIM) – The Minister of Health of Mozambique, Ussene Isse, said he felt embarrassed by the theft of medicines from the country’s hospitals.

When giving the opening lecture at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Maputo, on Wednesday, Isse accused some health professionals of treating their patients “without due humanism”.

“I feel very ashamed when we are questioned by the public,” he admitted. He recalled that they told him: “Mr. Minister, here in your hospital they demand illegal charges. Here in your hospital they mistreat us. Here in your hospital they are stealing medicines. How can I be happy when I hear these things?”

The worst problems with illegal charges occurred in maternity wards, Isse said. Pregnant women hid money in their clothes to offer as bribes in exchange for preferential treatment.

Isse also criticized the health professionals who participated in the demonstrations. “A good healthcare professional does not live in busy environments”, he warned.

He urged hospital managers to analyze the level of satisfaction of hospital users and insisted that medical faculties must teach medical ethics.
(AIM)
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