For example, a guardian, Christina Katema told Zodiak on Tuesday that since last week on Monday, her patient has not received any meal which a kitchen attendant confirms saying they have run out of food stuffs at their warehouse.

"I first came in January and we stay without receiving food from the hospital, we depended on our relatives, this is our third visit and the situation hasn't changed", said Katema.

She further told Zodiak that, the situation is bad to her patient as at times they fail to purchase food forcing the patient to take medication on an empty stomach.

A kitchen attendant who spoke to us on strict condition of anonimity in fear of reprisals said food is only being given to night shift staff.

"We don't know why we stopped cooking for our patients, if we do, it's only for two to four days a month and we only cook daily to our members of staff who are on night shift", he said.

The attendant further disclosed that at their warehouse they only gave food meant for staff.

The food crisis has not spared the maternity wing where pregnant women are footing their own food bills putting a burden to those from hard to reach areas and from poor families.

Magret Madengu, a guardian of a pregnant woman confided in us that they have never received food from the hospital kitchen and due to poverty they resort to buying chips from Chikonde market which is nearby but was quick to point that this was unhygienic to an expectant mother.

But Neno district hospital spokesperson Caroline Banda asked for more time before commenting on the matter.