Wild cats roaming the wards have become a menace at Oshakati hospital.
A nurse at the hospital, who spoke to The Namibian on condition of anonymity, said the cats, which in some instances scratch newborn babies and are seen eating umbilical cords and placentas, have become an annoyance at the biggest hospital in the north.
The cats reportedly jump onto the patients’ beds looking for leftover food.
“Placentas are kept in a temporary dustbin before they are taken to the incinerator. You don’t take them to the incinerator one by one. They are kept in a temporary dustbin, but the cats climb into the dustbin and snatch them from there. They also bite the umbilical cords and scratch babies. They are very stubborn,” the source said.
Another staff member at the hospital said previously the cats would be caught and thrown into the bushes, but members of the public allegedly complained that the cats were killing and eating their chickens.
“Then the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism came in and said we need to stop dumping the cats in the bushes. We then started sterilising them,” the source said.
However, environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda told The Namibian yesterday that he will consult before he comments on the matter.
A document prepared by NHA Wedvet Clinic titled ‘Oshakati State Hospital Trap Neuter and Release Campaign’ shows that 34 cats at the hospitals were sterilised, vaccinated against rabies and de-wormed.
The campaign was carried out on 11 February. A source privy to the matter said the document is for one ward alone.
The staff said the male cats are sterilised so that the number of cats at the hospital does not increase.
When The Namibian visited the hospital yesterday morning, cats could be seen sitting on the walls while some were roaming around the hospital premises.
Oshakati Intermediate Hospital medical superintendent Ruben Kanime must still provide comment on the matter.
– eliaser@namibian.com.na
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
