Thu, 22 Dec 2016 11:52:59 +0000 By Philip Chirwa MAIN characters in the drama: a nurse, a patient and a middle-aged woman in a chitenge wrapper. Scene: Phase V Medical Admission Ward, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka. Time: shortly after 20:00 hours. Date: Friday, 24th March, 1989. The young and attractive nurse at the reception desk said it slowly and distinctly. Although on the short side herself, she nevertheless dwarfed the male patient before her. Dressed in a short sleeved Safari jacket and a pair of brown trousers, the patient was quite short and stout, the type fitting the description “Shortie.” “According to the doctor’s orders,” the nurse began, “you will be required to stay in hospital for four nights, that is tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. You will be discharged on Monday.” The patient was about to say something when, as if anticipating his reaction, the nurse continued: “This has been done because the medication […]
