Ndola Central constituency MP Mark Mushili said recently that the hospital had run out of essential medicines such as antibiotics, painkillers and high blood pressure (hypertension) drugs.
Mushili has appealed to the government to address the drug shortage and other problems afflicting the hospital, which houses one of the SADC's tropical disease research centres.
Mushili was speaking after touring the hospital and holding indoor meetings with the executive director and senior nursing staff.
The staff confirmed that the hospital is experiencing a shortage of some drugs and other problems, which need urgent attention.
The legislator said the drug shortage has been going on for some time. The hospital is allegedly not being supplied with sufficient drugs by central medical stores (CMS).
"My visits to the hospital wards, outpatients department (OPD) and the pharmacy have revealed that patients are being issued with prescriptions to purchase drugs, including painkillers and antibiotics, which they need every day."
Mushili said that the water shortage is affecting theatre operations and that patients are being sent back from the operation rooms.
He appealed to all stakeholders and the government to come to the aid of the hospital and provide logistics, which would enable it to operate effectively.
When contacted for comment, hospital executive director Dr Dande Malawo said his information is that drugs for the treatment of hypertension, malaria as well as anti-retroviral s (ARVs) are still available. He said he would investigate the reports of the shortage. (Sila Press Agency)
