By Flata Kavinga
The Municipality of Redcliff says its council clinics have adequate nursing staff, essential medicines and ambulance services to cater for residents despite occasional operational challenges.
Speaking to journalists soon after a full council meeting, Municipality of Redcliff director of Housing and Community Services Admire Chigayo said the local authority had enough nurses working at its clinics.
“We do not have a shortage of nurses. We have got enough nurses at our council clinics because we are utilising services of local nurses,” said Chigayo.
He said council health institutions were continuing to provide services to patients without major staffing challenges.
Addressing concerns over the availability of medicines, Chigayo said council clinics were adequately stocked with essential drugs, although temporary shortages may occur during procurement processes.
“We do not have a shortage of drugs. It is only that at times when you visit our council clinics, we will be in the process of trying to procure those drugs. It does not necessarily mean there are no drugs at our council clinics,” he said.
Chigayo added that the municipality also receives some medicines from the Ministry of Health and Child Care to support service delivery at local clinics.
“Essential medicine is there. I do not think we have a challenge of drugs,” he said.
On ambulance services, Chigayo said council had an ambulance in operation, although mechanical breakdowns occasionally affected service availability.
“We have an ambulance. It is unfortunate that like any vehicle, there are times when there will be breakdowns here and there but we have an ambulance,” he said.
The remarks come as local authorities continue to face pressure to improve healthcare delivery and maintain adequate medical supplies at public health institutions.
