Catering company refuses to vacate Katutura Hospital

• By Uaueza Kanguatjivi

A catering company is refusing to vacate Katutura Intermediate Hospital premises after the Ministry of Health and Social Services said its contract expired on May 30.

Pamo Trading Enterprises was providing catering services to Katutura Intermediate Hospital.

The company dragged the health ministry to court when it was ordered to leave and pave the way for Nutrifoods on June 1.

The health ministry also denied entry to Pamo Trading Enterprises workers, but the High Court ordered against the move.

The catering company argues that the health ministry contract expires on August 30.

Pamo Trading Enterprises has not had a smooth relationship with the health ministry, claiming that the company was providing food unfit for consumption.

A patient, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the food was unfit for human consumption.

Documents that Confidente has obtained say Pamo Trading had been implicated in multiple contractual breaches, among them failing to recognise the importance of patient care.

The document said Pamo failed to address issues such as hygiene, pest control, and medical check-ups for kitchen staff, particularly diabetes and tuberculosis.

The company also failed to replace catering equipment and utensils, posing risks of accidents and contamination. Additionally, the document said Pamo label products.

“In August 2021, due to a lack of kitchen staff, the government requested additional employees through the company, and in October, hake fish and mixed vegetables failed to be served by the company due to failing to meet quality standards and were considered unfit for consumption.

For more on this & other stories: Grab a copy of the Newspaper