By ADRIAN MWANZA
HEALTH workers are charging unsuspecting people between K100 to K300 to get a Covid-19 test, the Daily Nation has learnt.
According to details gathered, health workers were demanding as much as K300 from unsuspecting residents just to get a Covid-19 swab when the exercise is free of charge.
Some people interviewed by the Daily Nation said the trend was common at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, Chawama and Chilenje first level hospitals.
Daily Nation staffer Gideon Nyendwa said he was one of the victims, who was forced to folk out a K100 to have a Covid-19 test at the Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
Mr Nyendwa said that he was shocked because a receipt was not issued to him upon paying the money to the person at the hospital.
‘’I can confirm paying a K100 to certain man who I found at the registry of Levy Mwanawasa Hospital last month but to my surprise I was not given a receipt or any form of documentation,’’ he said.
Another lady, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that she paid K350 just to have a Covid-19 test done at Chilenje Hospital.
She said that the health personnel were taking advantage of people’s desperation by charging them hefty amounts.
‘’I didn’t have an option but pay the money because I needed to take the Covid-19 test as soon as possible and time was of the essence,’’ she said.
But Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director, Victor Mukonka said it was an offence for any worker to charge for a covid-19 test and anyone found wanting would be dismissed.
Professor Mukonka said authorities would investigate the matter and called on members of the public to help fish out the culprits who were tarnishing the image of the Ministry of Health.
He said that it was unfortunate that people were misrepresenting the image of the Ministry of Health which was working tirelessly to control the virus.
‘’ I can assure you that we are going to instantly dismiss any one who is going to be found wanting and I just want to call on the public to come forwatrd so that we fish out the bad eggs,’’ Prof Mukonka said.
Prof Mukonka said authorities would not leave any stones unturned, but would thoroughly investigate the matter to get the people involved in the syndicate.
