Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eliaser Ndeyanale
Published on 2024-02-19 17:00:00
Some cleaners at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital are expressing dissatisfaction over the dismissal of four of their colleagues, whom they believe were unfairly fired for consuming leftover food from patients’ trays. According to the cleaners, taking remnant food is a common practice among the staff, as they see no harm in consuming food that would otherwise be thrown away. However, the hospital officials have taken a firm stance against this practice, leading to the dismissal of the four cleaners between January 2023 and January 2024.
The cleaners feel that the dismissals were unjust and are calling for the reinstatement of their colleagues. They claim that security guards catch them with food and take them to their supervisor, Jerobeam Kandjeke, who demands a written confession. However, the cleaners refuse to confess, as they believe they have not stolen anything. They argue that they simply take remnant food while cleaning and do not consider it theft.
While the cleaners feel that their actions are not criminal, the hospital officials disagree. They maintain that the leftover food is not meant to be taken out of the hospital. Instead, there is someone with a certified pig farm who is allowed to take the food to feed their pigs. Hospital officials are concerned that if the food is taken home by the cleaners, it could lead to cross contamination or cross infection, especially if it is given to others.
Furthermore, the hospital officials also accuse some cleaners of stealing raw meat from the hospital, highlighting their concerns about potential theft and misuse of hospital resources. Additionally, it was reported that feral cats were roaming the hospital wards and jumping onto patients’ beds in search of leftover food.
The cleaners argue that they are unfairly treated compared to other officials who commit more serious offenses, such as stealing hospital computers, without facing any consequences. They are frustrated that they are immediately dismissed without warning when caught with remnant food, while other employees face different treatment for theft.
In an attempt to address the issue, the cleaners held a meeting with their supervisor, Kandjeke, to seek a resolution, but it did not bring a lasting solution. The medical superintendent, Ruben Kanime, has not responded to calls and messages regarding the matter.
The cleaners are expressing their discontent with the unfair treatment they believe they are receiving. They are not only advocating for their own reinstatement but also calling for fair and consistent handling of disciplinary issues within the hospital. At the same time, the hospital officials are adamant about their stance on not allowing remnant food to be taken out of the hospital and emphasize potential risks associated with it.
The situation at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital reflects the ongoing conflict over the consumption of leftover food and theft allegations among the staff. Both the cleaners and the hospital officials have their own perspectives and concerns, and it remains to be seen whether a mutually agreeable resolution can be reached.
Read the original article on The Namibian
