As Ugandans descend upon the countryside to reunite with their loved ones during the Christmas season, the leadership of Mbarara Referral Hospital has issued a reminder about the absence of spare parts for life, according to Dr. Celestine Barigye, the hospital’s director. Speaking on UBC West Empikahona, a Mbarara City-based radio station, Dr. Barigye emphasized the need for caution during the festive season.
Accompanied by Halson Kagure, the Public Relations Officer for Mbarara Referral Hospital, Dr. Barigye expressed concern about the potential for accidents during this joyous season. Kagure attributed over 100 accident-related cases received monthly by the hospital to poor mechanical conditions and human behavior. These cases are initially admitted through the Accidents and Emergency Department before being transferred to the Surgical Ward upon stabilization.
Dr. Barigye highlighted the prevalence of accidents during Christmas, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic rules to prevent them. He also drew attention to the 20,000 road traffic accident cases registered in the country last year, stressing the need for prevention over cure.
In response to questions about the hospital’s preparedness, Dr. Barigye assured that operations would continue as usual, with medical emergency teams on high alert. Kagure mentioned the region’s 14 ambulances, all coordinated by Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, offering free services. He emphasized the empowerment of lower health facilities to handle emergencies, redirecting complex cases to the main hospital.
Callers raised concerns about drug shortages in the government facility compared to small drug shops and private facilities. Dr. Barigye and Kagure attributed the issue to the high population within and neighboring countries.
Dr. Barigye, also the regional director, urged the youth to avoid risky behaviors leading to HIV/AIDS, particularly considering Mbarara district’s rising cases of sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV/AIDS.
