'Mulago hospital needs help in the event of a coronavirus outbreak'

Mulago National Specialized Hospital is set to be used as isolation and treatment centre for anyone who may contract the COVID-19.

The Executive Director, Dr. Byarugaba Baterana said the hospital has been fully equipped with all the vital necessities and is ready to operate.

"We can admit as many as 900 patients in this hospital but initially if patients become many we shall admit only two in each cubicle but we are able to handle a good number of patients,"he said.

While speaking to the media on Thursday, Byarugaba said the hospital is working tooth and nail to ensure that it can accommodate and handle any situation in case of an outbreak.

"A hospital like Mulago may not have all the ingredients to use although we have got the equipment, man power and knowledge but if the number of patients becomes overwhelming, we shall need a big support from the ministry of health,"he said.

Byarugaba urged the public to follow the containment and preventive measures outlined by the ministry of Health to reduce risk of contracting the virus.

"For those who are sick, make sure you get the vitamins to boost your immunity so that the virus is fought.I urge the public to eat well because these are the basic facts and for those who are sick we shall treat them for free but without attendants,"he said.

Dr. Jane Nakibuuka ,a senior physician at the hospital elaborated how the pandemic is to be handled especially for those in critical condition.

"An ICU bed, unlike other beds in the wards is able to change positions based on what you want to achieve and we have some equipment such as the medical ventilators, monitors among others,"she said.

She also added that the hospital possesses a feeding pump to feed those in critical condition who cannot eat by themselves.

The East African region has so far registered a total of 15 cases of coronavirus,with no deaths.

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