A caretaker of one of the victims told URN on condition of anonymity so as to speak freely on the matter that she has so far spent Shillings 60,000 to purchase antibiotic, pain relievers, gauze, and gloves to be used by medical personnel to treat her patient.
Seventeen people who sustained severe injuries when two trucks caught fire in Lira District on Thursday afternoon are languishing at Kitgum General Hospital without essential medicine for treating burns. The victims comprising 12 females and five males, all traders from Lamwo and Kitgum Districts were rushed to Kitgum General Hospital on Friday evening for treatment.
The traders sustained burns after their trucks caught fire mysteriously at a Police Check Point in Adwila, Boroboro parish along Lira-Soroti Highway. However, information obtained by URN shows that the fire victims who are admitted in the Kitgum General Hospital Surgical Ward haven’t received proper medical treatment due to lack of drugs and medical supplies for treating burns.
A caretaker of one of the victims told URN on condition of anonymity so as to speak freely on the matter that she has so far spent Shillings 60,000 to purchase antibiotic, pain relievers, gauze, and gloves to be used by medical personnel to treat her patient.
“Ever since we came here, doctors have been telling us to buy the necessary drugs from outside because their stores run out of stock of essential drugs and supplies. It’s expensive now because the money he had was all invested in buying merchandise, which was burnt,” the source said.
She also said there hasn’t been any improvement and fears that the wounds could get septic it not treated properly. Dr. Paul Okwera, the in Charge of the Surgical Ward, confirmed the absence of antibiotics and medical supplies such as gauze and plasters, saying it is complicating healing of the patients.
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Dr. Okwera however notes that a few patients who have money have been purchasing the required medicines from private facilities while those unable are temporarily being managed as they wait for supplies from Government.
Dr. Geoffrey Okello, the Acting Medical Superintendent Kitgum General Hospital acknowledged the stockouts in an interview with URN. He said the facility was supposed to get supplies from the National Medical Stores three weeks ago.
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Kitgum Mayor, Walter Livings Tooroma said it is unfortunate that the victims are suffering at a government facility due to lack of drugs. He said the district leadership is working with government to ensure that the drugs and medical supplies are delivered in time.
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This is the second time the hospital has run out of essential drugs and medical supplies since the year begun.
Story by Julius Ocungi
