HRCC on FDH Bank’s neck for forcing a critically ill customer to avail herself at the bank

The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has demanded an apology and compensation from FDH Bank for what it has described as inhumane and degrading treatment of a critically ill customer at its Phalombe Branch.

In a statement, the human rights body says it has learnt with grave shock and disbelief the alleged actions of the bank’s branch manager perpetrated at a “visibly critically ill patient” who needed the bank services.

Pictures went viral on social media over the weekend of a critically ill customer who the bank’s branch manager demanded her presence at the bank in order to be helped despite the next of kin and the district council’s office confirming the ownership of the cash request and their conditions.

“We find this action not only dehumanizing but it’s a direct opposite of the constitution and internationally adopted instruments like the African Charter on Human and people’s rights among others which demand the sanctity and preservation of life as supreme.

“The instruments discourage degrading, inhuman treatment against person’s and worse still, privacy of patients have been compromised by the conduct and action of this bank.

“While policy may demand that only rightful owners must access their accounts and in person, the reason why managers are put in place is to handle the most challenging and difficult situations by applying the human element to their decisions and actions,” reads the statement signed by HRCC board chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba.

HRCC has since demanded an outright apology by the bank as a matter of urgency and efforts be made to compensate the lady for loss of reputation, dignity and conduct likely to escalate her condition besides actual death due to trauma and illness associated inconvenience occasioned by the irregular movements from hospital to the bank.

Source:NPL