Health research findings show violation of patient human rights at Nkhotakota DHO

Written By Humphreys Bomba:

Findings of a quantitative research conducted by Momentum Tikweze Umoyo project in Nkhotakota district have revealed poor working relationship between health workers and community members, a development said to be affecting quality health service delivery.

This has been revealed Wednesday during the presentation of the research findings to various stakeholders in the district, aimed at validating health related challenges that the project wants to eradicate in the district.

Among others, findings of the research have shown that there is a violation of patient human rights arising from poor treatment by some health workers.

Speaking during the meeting, Technical Advisor for Social and Behavior Change Communication at Momentum Tikweze Umoyo project Andrew Samati said, the findings are part of understanding the behaviors, attitudes and practices that affect promotion of health services in the district.

He said the project will use the findings in designing social and behavior change strategies to eradicate existing gaps that have been identified.

“Let me point out that the Momentum Tikweze Umoyo project together with Nkhotakota district will use the study findings to come up with lucrative strategies that will help in addressing the behavior, altitudinal and all normative issues identified”, said Samati.

While acknowledging the situation, Acting Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Nkhotakota Dr Jacob Kafulafula said the project will help embrace communication strategies focusing on how to improve the situation.

He said, “Sometimes we have some health workers who react with bad attitudes towards patients as people have different backgrounds, but the coming in of this project has made us realize this as another area that we should work on to reduce such cases”.

Meanwhile, Nkhotakota District Commissioner (DC) Ben Matengeni Tohno has underscored the need for inclusive review of the project’s activities for it to achieve the intended results.

“As Nkhotakota District Council, we welcome the study findings, but there should be a comprehensive reviewing of the project’s activities so as to register meaningful strides” he said.

The Momentum Tikweze Umoyo project being implemented in five districts of Karonga, Chitipa, Kasungu, Salima and Nkhotakota aims to reduce maternal, newborn, child morbidity and mortality rate among others.