I was posted here in 2001. I am an administrative officer in charge of nurses and other staff, including the support staff. I ensure that the wards at the hospital are clean and nurses are on duty.

Susan Charles, Matron-In-Charge, Moyamba Government Hospital, Moyamba

I also oversee the administration of drugs and take care of patients by making sure for example, that they eat in time. For those on special diets we ask relatives to provide.

Of the two sectors in the hospital (Clinical and Public Health),

I am responsible for the Clinical aspect.

So far, I have been facing a string of problems ranging from non payment of salaries to a majority of nurses to accommodation.

The World Bank has been rehabilitating the hospital since April 2005, but have not yet finished.

I walk almost everyday for the past four years to come to work. It’s because of the love of the job; otherwise I stay at home and look after my children.

I have on the ground 20 volunteer nurses who do most of the job, and are not on salary; previously there were 30 of them.

There is only one midwife and she is most times overloaded with work. In such situations we are obliged to call on MCH Aides top help out.

 I pay particular attention to children because in a hospital the children and maternity units must always be covered by trained staff.

The rehabilitation work by the World Bank includes fencing, giving a facelift to the lab, construction of an X-Ray department, extension of the mortuary and a facelift of various offices for Public Health staff.

They will also construct an extra office for HIV and Voluntary Canceling and Confidential Testing (VCCT) and one staff quarter.

Let me finally note that the only reproductive health ambulance that facilitates the collection of pregnant women is down and needs urgent attention.

So far so good, we thank government for the efforts they are making in health care delivery in Moyamba District.

Let me however, appeal for special incentives for nurses working in the interior thereby risking their marriages as they are likely to loose over husbands on account of working in the interior.