A senior doctor at Lira Regional Referral Hospital has succumbed to COVID-19.
This was confirmed by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine
Atwine said Dr Patrick Odongo, a senior medical officer at the hospital, died on Saturday night.
Odongo was also the owner of Megwa Clinic.
Atwine said he was taken to Lira hospital when he was ill. He was then tested and found positive for COVID-19.
“He had other complications in addition to COVID-19,” Atwine said.
She said Odongo’s contacts also tested positive for the virus and have been put in isolation.
Uganda has so far confirmed 3,667 COVID-19 cases, with 41 deaths.
Ministry clarifies
The ministry has, however, clarified that the hospital remains open to the public.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that Lira Regional Referral Hospital remains open, contrary to social media reports,” the ministry said in a Sunday evening statement.
“However, the hospital has been conducting mass testing for COVID-19 among its staff. Four health workers were confirmed for COVID-19, of which two work in the operating theatre,” the ministry added.
“The theatre has since been temporarily closed for disinfection and contact tracing.”
“All other health services remain open to the public with strict adherence to SOPs,” the ministry said.
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