Blantyre District Council has approved interdiction with no pay of a Midwifery nurse at Ndirande Health Centre who was suspended for allegedly taking a ‘selfie’ in labour ward where a pregnant woman was about to give birth.

The nurse, Patricia Malichi who defended herself saying the photo was leaked by her ex-lover, made the blunder late last year and the photo attracted mixed reactions as it made headlines on social media.

Speaking during a full council meeting on Monday, Deputy Council Chairperson, Akima Chipwatali said the nurse deserves a stiffer punishment because what she did infringed on the rights of every woman in the country.

“The interdiction has come at a right time and I feel happy that there is progress in this case. Government instructed that every woman must give birth at a health facility and what this nurse did by exposing a fellow woman’s nudity in a labour ward was uncalled for. What she did will discourage other women to give birth at a health center. She deserves a stiff punishment,” said Chipwatali.

Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Gift Kawalazira said he was happy with the development and hoped the law will take its course, so that future perpetrators take a lesson.

He then said he would make sure he is involved in every step of the case to make sure that all ends well.