March 2007
Bashed Woman Demands Compensation
By Monica Kunda
A WOMAN of Chimbulu village in Mufumbwe district, North-Western Province is seeking help from the Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) to sue Solwezi General Hospital management for compensation over a miscarriage and injuries she sustained after being hit by a hospital vehicle.
Regina Sakuwaha said on May 13, 2006 she was hit by a vehicle belonging to Solwezi General Hospital on the Kabompo-Mufumbwe road which was being driven by Timothy Nshama.
Sakuwaha said she sustained a fractured left arm, bruised face, dislocation in the pelvic and allegedly lost her pregnancy following the accident.
She said at the time of the accident, she was pregnant and bled from her private parts, resulting in the miscarriage.
Sakuwaha said she was admitted at Mukinge Hospital for six days before being transferred to Kitwe Central Hospital where she was admitted until July 1.
She said while in hospital her family incurred transport and food expenses.
Sakuwaha said after being discharged, she was given a refund of K222,000 and K265,000 respectively at different times.
She added that the hospital did not pay K1,584,900 owed to her as balance of what she incurred and the cost of replacing the bicycle. She also said the police report dated December 22 2006 showed that the driver of the vehicle that bashed him had since died.
She approached LRF to help her sue Solwezi General Hospital for compensation.
Solwezi Paralegal Godwin Mutale advised Sakuwaha that despite the driver's death she can still sue the hospital for compensation as the deceased was on duty when he hit her.
On February 23 this year a letter was written to the hospital board claiming damages for personal injuries and the LRF is awaiting a response from Solwezi General Hospital.