The lack of ambulances at Nebbi General Hospital is hindering the referral of Covid-19 patients.
Nebbi General Hospital currently relies on the local government vehicles including that of the LCV Chairman and Resident District Commissioner to refer Covid-19 patients to Arua regional referral hospital.
The only ambulance was recalled by the Ministry of Health nearly a year ago. Following the resurgence of the second wave of the Corona Virus, Angal and Nebbi hospitals in Nebbi district have already recorded over 300 positive cases in a spate of three weeks with some of them requiring referral to Arua and Mulago national referral hospital.
Robert Abak, the RDC Nebbi and the Covid-19 Taskforce chairperson says that the positive cases are already overwhelming them and they urgently need emergency ambulance services.
Emmanuel Orombi the LCV Chairperson Nebbi district says that they struggle to ensure timely referral of cases to Arua. He adds that the situation in Parombo Sub County is requiring standby emergency services.
Dr Justine Okwaiwroth the Hospital Director Nebbi General Hospital said the lack of an ambulance and other emergencies is making it difficult for them to save lives.
“There is nothing we can do within time to save emergencies since we have to rely on vehicles of the RDC and the LC5 chairman which are sometimes not readily at our disposal,” said Dr Okwaiwroth.
On Friday, a retired Doctor from Pakwach district succumbed to suspected Covid-19 at Nebbi general hospital after reported delays in referring him to Arua for better management.
The authorities in the Nebbi district and the municipality have now instituted compulsory testing for Covid-19 for all staff and full enforcement of standard operating procedures-SOPs.
