Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital has successfully treated and discharged a mother and her two children who were fighting for their lives after being poisoned.
According to Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, 36-year-old Fausta Tukundane, a resident of Rwentamu cell, Mwizi Ward, Kabura town council in Rwampara district, and her 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son were rushed to the hospital on Sunday in critical condition.
The mother was admitted to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Ward, while the children were admitted to the Pediatrics Department after being referred from a nearby health facility. They were unconscious and in a state of acute poisoning.
Sources revealed that Fausta was given a plastic bottle of soda by a friend of her husband, Edson, on the evening of November 9th. Shortly after consuming the soda, Fausta felt exhausted, dizzy, and later lost consciousness. The children were also found in a similar state the following morning by a neighbor who raised suspicion after seeing their house open.
“The medical team worked tirelessly to reverse the effects of the suspected poisoning. The mother regained consciousness on Tuesday and began asking for her children,” Kagure said.
The hospital’s spokesperson, Kagure, was briefed by the medical team that the children were aggressive due to the acute poisoning. Doctors were able to stabilize them.
Fausta expressed gratitude to the hospital staff for saving their lives. “I don’t remember how I got to the hospital, but I recall Edson buying me soda. I’m still puzzled how my children were affected since they didn’t consume the soda,” she said.
The suspect, Edson, has been arrested by local police, and Fausta’s belongings, which were stolen from her house, are yet to be recovered.
According to Kagure, before their discharge this afternoon, the survivors underwent further testing at the hospital’s eye clinic due to complaints of visual problems.
Kagure commended the hospital’s medical team for their swift response and expertise in saving the family.
“Any delay could have probably resulted in organ failure and death. We urge the public to be vigilant about what they consume, especially from unknown sources,” says Kagure.
The successful treatment and discharge of Fausta and her children serve as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services for the underprivileged.
