Category «Health»

Mulago Hospital chokes on accident victims’ costs

Mulago Hospital spends up to Sh.s 224 to treat one boda boda accident victim in just eight days. This is according to a new report released by the Makerere University College of Health sciences and Mulago Hospital. The study shows that this takes up a significant amount that would otherwise be used on treatment of other patients. While releasing the report earlier today, the executive director of Nagulu Hospital Dr. Edward Nadumba said the study also revealed that 75%of all trauma cases they handle are a result of boda boda accidents. Dr. Nadumba notes that the maintenance cost of a boda boda accident victim currently stands at about Shs. 150 million during the eight days a patient spends in hospital. …

Mulago Scan machine down, patients stuck

The break- down of the only CT scan machine at Mulago Hospital has left many patients stranded. Some patients have now been transferred to other hospitals like Namirembe, Rubaga among others. Most however, have had no option but to stick around with the hope that the machine will be fixed soon. They have complained of the high charges at other hospitals which range between 250,000 and 300,000 compared to the 120,000 charged at Mulago hospital. The hospital’s deputy director Dr Doreen Birabwa Male dismisses reports that the machine has broken, explaining that it is only being serviced, a process that takes only 24 hours. Dr. Male adds that the hospital has got only 1 CT scan and it is supposed …

Uganda Marks Condom day

Condom use continues to be low due the myths attached to it. This is according to the chairperson of the World Medical Association Dr.Margaret Mugherera. She also says that many people think that the condoms cause discomfort and end up engaging in risky sexual behavior. She however says all this can be changed if the ministry of health steps up the campaign on promotion of condom use. She also calls upon the ministry to do more work in promoting use of the female condom that continues to receive mild response from the public. Mungerera remarks come as Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the world condom day with events held in 25 countries. The day is …

NDA to monitor health facilities

Effective February, the Uganda National Drug Authority says it is to begin inspecting all public health facilities. The move is aimed at ensuring that the health facilities meet all required standards of storing and issuing out drugs. The executive director of the Authority Gordon Ssematiko says among the key things they are looking out for include the drug storage facility, the drugs in the shelves and the physicians who operate in such drug shops. Ssematiko notes that those which meet required regulations will be accredited there and then. This comes as the authority marks 20 years in existence. And to celebrate this milestone it has issued out 15 motorcycles to 15 districts. The motorcycles are to help in monitoring and …

Alcohol linked to HIV infection rate

Did you know that taking alcohol increases your chances of contracting HIV? A study conducted by the Makerere University School of Public Health shows that the HIV prevalence rate among people who consume alcohol stands at 11%. This is way higher compared to the 6% prevalence rate among those who do not drink alcohol. Dr Nazarius Mbona, a senior lecturer at the school, says that many people lose the ability to make the right decisions and end up having unprotected sex after taking alcohol. The study also shows that Ugandans take higher quantities of alcohol, upto three times compared to the Americans. It is against this background that over 4000 scientists will convene in Kampala in June this year to …