Ministry of health refutes loss of lives claims

The ministry of health has refuted allegations that there is continued loss of lives of babies at Kawempe hospital following the closure of Makerere University.

The media has been awash with claims that 15 babies die each day at kawempe hospital due to closure of Makerere University.

Addressing the media this afternoon at the Uganda media canter the state minister in charge of health and general duties Sarah Opendi said the ministry has since rearranged the work force at the facility especially in critical areas.

She explains that since the month of November started 31 new borns have died with the deaths associated to prematurity and lack of oxygen compared to the month of October were 56 babies died.

She says at the time of closure of Makerere University, there were 64 senior house officers at kawempe hospital and 56 at upper Mulago in pediatrics and these were being only trained under the supervision of specialists.

She however admits that the withdrawal of senior health house officers at the facility has only created some gaps in service with the longer patient waiting in the outpatient department but this has not significantly affected the hospital

Written by David Kugonza