By Aisha Chiwaya

Salima, December 8, Mana: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has donated mattresses and assorted food items valued at MK10 million to Salima District Hospital ahead of the International Anti-Corruption Day.

Speaking during the donation on Saturday, Acting Director General of ACB, Hillary Chilomba highlighted that the donation aims at complimenting government's efforts in improving service delivery at the hospital.

"The contribution aims at supporting government in providing quality healthcare services to patients and also part of giving back to the community as a body that fights against corruption," he said.

Chilomba cautioned health practitioners to desist from seeking payments from patients because access to health care in government hospitals is free.

"It is concerning to note the increase in corruption-related issues in the country’s hospitals, citing three reports received from Bwaila hospital a month ago," he said.

Speaking after receiving the donation, Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment who represented the District Commissioner, Adam Jason, deemed the move as a greater milestone as far as helping the sick is concerned.

Jason highlighted the dilapidation of the buildings as a major challenge the hospital is facing.

“The condition of our hospital is not good and currently we are failing to accommodate patients where they can confidently access and receive health services. The other challenge is shortage of food items," he said.

The assorted hampers were donated in the maternity ward and some items to the rest of the hospital, and it included, 40 liters of cooking oil, 100 kilograms of rice and 20 mattresses.

The 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day will be observed on the 9th of December at Kaphatenga Primary Ground in Salima District.

This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day will be commemorated under the theme “reporting corruption a duty for all".