Pharmacists join striking nurses

MAMELLO SEBATANE

Maseru – The situation at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH), popularly known as Tsepong, continues to deteriorate.

Today pharmacies at QMMH and three other filter clinics were closed as pharmacists joined nurses and nursing assistants striking over salaries and working conditions.

The Lesotho Nurses Association (LNA) said pharmacies at Likotsi, Mabote and Qoaling filter clinics were closed since 23 pharmacists and technicians had stopped working. Basotho served by these clinics will therefore not receive their medication, even for chronic conditions, the association said.

LNA further said Intensive Care Unit (ICU), casualty, neonatal ICU and other units will be unmanned as the strike continues.

QMMH has had to go to local radio stations appealing for nurses to return to work. However, those who heeded the call today said they found police at the entrance, barring them from entering hospital premises.