Last month, Uganda observed a rise in fatalities among healthcare professionals, coinciding with an increase in COVID-19 cases. Sixteen physicians have died as a result of the illness, while others are in critical condition.
Since March of last year, the Uganda Medical Association estimates that more than 100 health professionals have died in the nation as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.
The number increased dramatically last month, according to the association’s secretary-general, Dr. Mukuzi Muhereza.
“We lost 16 in the previous two weeks, which was the worst part. Some individuals are in critical condition, and we’re crossing our fingers. And 14 of them were practising physicians who acquired it most likely from hospitals. “
Last month, before the nation imposed lockdown limits, a general increase in COVID-19 cases coincided with the deaths of 16 physicians.
Uganda recorded 425 new cases on July 5, increasing the total number of cases to 84,979. COVID-19 has killed almost 2,000 Ugandans.
According to Ministry of Health studies, 37 physicians have died from COVID during the epidemic. They all had underlying health problems such as diabetes and hypertension, were not vaccinated, or were of advanced age, according to the report.
Doctors and other health care personnel at hospitals, however, face increased dangers owing to a shortage of protective gear and medical gloves, according to the Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona.
He also claimed that the government has been reluctant to pay COVID-19 employees additional pay for working in dangerous circumstances.
“Yes, there may be delays from time to time. However, since these delays are dependent on resource availability, they are sometimes beyond our control. However, as a government, we are trying our best. As a result, the Director-General issued a directive on double masking. In addition, we pledge to ensure that health professionals in COVID treatment units and our health institutions always have what they need, ” he added.
Dr. Moses Kamabare, the director of the ministry’s medical supply agency, said last week that the rising number of infections had temporarily outstripped the ministry’s capacity to provide personal protective equipment to all hospitals in need.
Expanded deliveries, according to Kamabare, will begin next week.
