Tanzanian Hospital Suspends Staff After Viral Video Shows Them Pouring Drip Water On Colleague

• Sakamu Hospital, a private medical facility in Tanzania, found itself at the centre of controversy as employees faced suspension
• This was after a video went viral depicting two hospital staffers joyfully celebrating a colleague's birthday by dousing her with medical saline solution
• The incident was initially misattributed to Nyankumbu Health Center but later confirmed by Sakamu Hospital's Executive Director

A private hospital in Geita, Tanzania, has taken disciplinary action against three of its employees following a viral video on social media.

What did the hospital staff do?

The incident, in which the employees were captured pouring drip water on a colleague during a birthday celebration at the facility, occurred on December 1, sparking outrage.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sakamu Private Hospital, Salvatory Musimu, acknowledged the authenticity of the video.

He also clarified that the individuals involved were employees of Sakamu Hospital, not the government-run Nyankumbu Health Center as initially reported online.

According to a report by Tanzania's Millard Ayo, Musimu expressed the hospital's commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly.

"The management of Sakamu Hospital, upon viewing the video, promptly suspended the three employees involved," he said.

Hospital apologises over staff behaviour

"This decision is to allow for a comprehensive investigation, and appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with professional standards and regulatory protocols." he added.

Musimu also confirmed that the hospital is actively searching for the person responsible for recording the video to gather additional information about the incident.

"We apologise for the incident that has circulated widely," stated the hospital in a statement.

"We want to assure the public that we will follow proper procedures and health guidelines in addressing this matter," added the hospital.

As the investigation unfolds, the hospital remains under public scrutiny, with many eager to see the outcome of the inquiry and the measures taken to prevent similar incidents.

Machakos health workers found editing medical bills

Back at home, the county government of Machakos sent packing at least three health workers for reportedly sneaking patients out of the medical facilities to avoid paying bills.

While issuing dismissal letters to the three, county health executive Daniel Yumbya said they would serve as an example to the rest of their colleagues involved in the syndicate.

"One important thing is that government money won't be received by a single person. There will be no theft in the hospitals anymore. We want this to be a lesson for the rest. These ones we are leaving at the police station, but before that, I want to inform them that I have fired them," Yumbya said.

He said the fired medics won't be expected to come closer to the Machakos Level 5 Hospital where they have been serving.