The Ministry of Health and Social Services says no patient suffered any physical harm due to a delay in the exchange of shifts at the Mariental District Hospital last night.

The clarification came after patients circulated a video of an empty nursing station, claiming that several of them had to wait for hours without being attended to, particularly in the male ward.

In a statement, the ministry's Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, explained that the incident occurred due to miscommunication between the day and night shift teams during the handover of tasks.

“The incident is at variance with the management of our health facilities and does not comport with our values and approach to the provision of public health services. It is, therefore, unacceptable. The incident is regrettable and will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate steps will be taken against anyone found to have contravened the provisions of the Public Service Staff Rules and Code of Conduct,” said Nangombe.

The ministry also extended an apology to the patients at the Mariental District Hospital.