By Tugume Johnbosco
Members of Parliament from Western Uganda on the Parliamentary Covid19 Taskforce have challenged government to urgently avail more covdi19 vaccines and empower lower health facilities in treating patients.
The legislatures on Saturday held meetings with Hoima Covid19 Taskforce, Hoima Regional Hospital CTU workers and Kikuube Health officials.
Led by Dr. Joseph Runyonga, the legislature for Hoima West Division, they were assessing the state of health facilities in responding and managing Covid19 pandemic.
They observed that Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and other district hospitals were being overwhelmed with covid19 cases yet le lower health facilities are not empowered.
Dr. Nicholus Kamara, the legislature for Kabale District said that there should be a deliberate effort by government to equip and train some workers at lower health facilities to start treating Covid19 patients.
He said this is the only solution to reduce the burden on Regional Hospitals.
Dr. Florence Asiimwe, the Masindi District Woman Member of Parliament asked government to urgently procure Covid19 vaccine for mass vaccination.
She observed that it’s a shame majority of Ugandans have not yet been vaccinated against the virus. “The second jab only targets a few mainly health workers yet close to a million people received the first jab”. she said
Hoima received only 1030 dozes in the second phase of covid19 vaccination out of the over 50000 people who were vaccinated in the first phase.
Francis Mweijukye, the legislator for Buhweju County however called for regular follow-ups on covid19 patients under the Home Based care Treatment.
Dr. Lawrence Tumusiime, the Hoima District Health officer however outlines the health challenges ranging from limited essential drug stock, irregular Personal Protective Gears for Health workers, limited transport means to follow-up patients on Home based care, poor allowances among others.
But Dr. Joseph Ruyonga said the concerns were captured and will be presented to parliament next week. He asked leaders to strengthen the covid19 prevention measures.
Hoima has cumulatively registered over 1100 cases of covid19 and 51 deaths.
End
