Uganda has discharged the first three CoronaVirus patients who successfully finished treatment at Entebbe Grade B hospital. At least 15 other people will be discharged by Easter Monday, the Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng has said.
The trio whose identities remain anonymous have been issued certificates indicating completion of the 21 days treatment. “The patients we are discharging today have spent 21 days in hospital. It takes time for the viral load to go down” Minister Aceng said.
While speaking at the discharge ceremony in Entebbe this afternoon, Dr. Henry Mwebesa the Director General Health Services said that together with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Dr. Diana Atwiine and their teams sensitized communities were the discharged people belong.
One of the cases discharged today is that of a mother who delivered a baby during quarantine and the child is negative. “Both are in stable condition, her baby tested negative for COVID-19” Dr, Mwebesa said.
According to Minister Aceng, 15 other people will be discharged on Easter Monday, after their communities have been sensitized, to avoid stigma.
She thanked the staff at Entebbe referral hospital for working day and night to ensure the patients receive enough care.
Dr. Aceng advised medical officers to drink more water, take breaks and seek counseling if they are not mentally up to the task.
In his speech, the Prime minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda praised President Yoweri Museveni for directing the military to work together with the ministry of health to contain the disease that has killed more than 100,000 people across the globe.
With the three discharged, Uganda remains with only 50 COVID-19 patients at Mulago, Entebbe Grade B, Hoima and Adjumani hospitals. Uganda still has not registered any case related to the disease.
Meanwhile, a sample was collected from a 28 year old man who is currently isolated at Kisoro hospital, and taken to the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe for testing. The gentleman showed COVID-19 like symptoms, with his temperature at 40 degrees.
