ZAMBIA – A medical doctor at Ikelenge Mission Hospital has allegedly been beaten by family members of a patient at the health facility.

Police have apprehended some members of the family, who attacked the doctor, identified as Chola  Kafwimbi, Head of Clinical Care at the hospital.

This happened yesterday, after the patient died of acute kidney failure, sparking fury among the family members.

Ikelenge Acting District Commissioner, Mwangala Mukela has confirmed the incident, against which other workers at the hospital decided to stage a protest.

Mr. Mukela has explained that the protesting health workers complained of continued attacks by members of the community.

He said the deceased man’s family accused Dr. Kafwimbi, who is Head of Clinical Care, of negligence, later descended on him and started beating him.

Mr. Mukela said Dr Kafwimbi, who sustained a swollen jaw and body bruises, was only rescued by some male nurses, who witnessed the incident.

He added that the commotion at the hospital later erupted as other members of the local community also started attacking hospital workers, until police were called in to restore order.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mukela has assured management and staff at the mission of safety, saying the local administration will look into their grievances and ensure they are addressed quickly.