MINISTER of Health Chitalu Chilufya has been dragged to court for allegedly issuing defamatory words against former Health Professionals Council of Zambia (HPCZ) Registrar Aaron Mujajati.

In a statement of claim filed before the Lusaka High court, Dr. Mujajati is claiming damages and an injunction restraining Dr. Chilufya from issuing further defamatory words.

He claimed that on or about January 18, this year, Dr Chilufya allegedly issued false and malicious statements to the media against him by way of an innuendo following his closure of medical institutions.

The said innuendos suggested that Dr Mujajati’s conduct amounted to lawlessness that cannot be condoned among other things.

Dr Mujajati claimed the minister’s words in their natural and ordinary meaning are understood to mean that he is a tyrant, proud, self-proclaimed irrational, inhumane policeman, detached from reality.

Dr. Mujajati said Dr Chilufya ought to have known that the allegations that he is incompetent and irrational are untrue adding that the exorbitant fees charged on hospitals by HPCZ were approved by his own hand.

Dr. Mujajati now claims damages for defamation, and interest on the amount to be determined at the commercial banking rate as well as an injunction restraining the minister whether by himself, his servants or agents from making any defamatory remarks against him.