By Fred Kiva
A total of 18 Covid-19 patients have recovered from the deadly virus as Uganda moves a step towards defeating the dreaded disease.
Three of the cured patients were on Saturday discharged from Entebbe Grade B Hospital and sent back to their respective communities.
According to the Ministry of Health, another 15 of the patients that have now consistently tested negative will be discharged on Easter Sunday or Monday.
“The Patients we are discharging today (Saturday) have spent 21 days in hospital. It takes time for the viral load to go down,” Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng said during the discharge.
The discharged patients will be under close monitoring in the communities for 14 days.
Aceng added, “Another 15 patients will be discharged on Sunday or Monday. The patients are ready for discharge but we have not yet prepared their communities.” The number of confirmed covid19 cases in Uganda remains at 53. The country hasn’t registered any more cases for the last three days.
Officiating at the discharge of the three patients, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda appealed to the communities not to stigmatize them. “Please welcome these friends who have been discharged. You have been assured by the Minister that they have been clearly declared. RDCs, Mayors and LCs ensure the process of integration is understood to avoid hitches,” the Prime Minister said.
Rugunda commended the health workers for their great contribution in treating the patients. “The discharge today of the three COVID-19 patients who have been successfully treated is testimony to the great work by our dedicated health workers and HE Kaguta Museveni strategic leadership of the response,” he said.
The Prime Minister also asked the media to heed to the discharged patients’ request not to have their identities revealed for fear of stigmatization. Earlier in her speech, Health Minister Aceng said the cured patients' identities will be kept, with respect to their request.
Minister Aceng also commended the health workers managing the COVID-19 patients. “In a special way, I want to say a big thank you to the health workers who manage the COVID-19 suspected and confirmed cases. You are our real heroes. Without you, we cannot get through this battle. Thank you and God bless you,” she said.