The Ministry Of Health has asked the President of the People’s Government Dr. Kizza Besigye to join the Covid – 19 Frontline teams.
Dr. Besigye, a professional medic expressed willingness to return to hospital wards to beef up the medical teams fighting COVID – 19 should he be called upon.
Now the Ministry of Health Spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyona says despite several advertisements calling for volunteers to join the medical teams, Dr.Besigye has not applied to volunteer nor submitted his credentials for vetting.
Ainebyona was responding to a query by Sir. Simon Muyanga Lutaaya during the Gw’ensonga show on Balam Barugahare’s Radio 4 on Tuesday.
The Ministry’s publicist said Dr. Besigye would have submitted his medical qualifications and practicing certificate and once certified, he would choose a hospital of his choice to work.
Besigye has won public approval for his weekly addresses via Facebook from where he offers medical education on prevention against COVID – 19. His huge online audience has been praising his addresses as substantial in managing the Covid -19 pandemic.
He’s been critical of President Museveni’s handling of the lockdown pointing at the exorbitant expenses and lack of a legal framework to manage donations and protection of frontline workers. Besigye had also vowed to join the medical workers should need arise.
But the MoH mouth piece says Besigye is yet to respond to the call for volunteers but would be welcome if he meets the requirements.
The Ministry faces an uphill task as the number of infections rises daily putting a strain on resources and medical personnel. The Ministry needs up to 990 billion shillings but only 400bn/- has been released. There is a shortage of testing kits with each available kit going for $65. Will Dr. Besigye return to a trade he abandoned after the bush war days and spend time on hospital rounds? Watch this space.