Concern is rising in Luwero district after reports that Luweero hospital has run out of drugs used in the treatment of COVID 19 and other general illnesses.
The hospital opened up a treatment unit to treat COVID 19 patients last Month, with moderate signs after a surge in cases. So far, the district has registered over 350 COVID 19 cases and 23 deaths.
Luwero hospital alone has admitted 35 COVID 19 patients and four have died since opening of the treatment unit. Currently, the centre has seven COVID 19 while others have been discharged after recovery.
The hospital is however struggling to manage the patients at the treatment centre due to shortage of drugs. The common drugs for treating COVID 19 patients are Azithromycin, Zinc, vitamin C and Vitamin D.
The Ministry of Health also approved the use of dexamethasone, Baricitimib, and inhalable steroids in the management of the resurging cases of COVID-19.
The Medical Superintendent of Luwero Hospital Dr Innocent Nkonwa says they have run out of stock for both drugs for treating COVID 19 patients and other general illnesses. He attributes the shortage to the delays by National Medical Stores-NMS.
Nkonwa added that NMS was supposed to deliver drugs by June 21 but to date, they are yet to get supplies. He however noted that they have reminded NMS to deliver the drugs.
Health workers say that patients have been advised to buy the drugs from a private pharmacy.
Sheila Nduhukire the Spokesperson for National Medical Stores admitted the delay but said the supply of both essential and COVID 19 drugs will be done before the end of this week.
She attributed the delay to high demand over surge in COVID- 19 cases.
