KCCA To Go Against Medical Centers With Exorbitant Treatment Charges.
Written by Derrick Asaba on June 21, 2021
Several reports indicate that accessing treatment for COVID-19 patients nowadays is as pricey as it sounds with charges not less than 1million to 5milion per day depending on the health facility opted for, and the state of the patient.
This has since raised eyebrows amongst the public thereby expressing disgrace on how some medical service providers around Kampala are utilising this desperation for business ventures.
In a press release by the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Kampala Capital City, Hussein Hudu who doubles as the Chairperson KCCA COVID-19 task force, wondered why they charge millions of money and called upon the Uganda Medical Council to intervene.
“We have learned of some private medical service providers that have turned the desperation of many COVID-19 patients into a business venture. They are charging victims millions of money in exchange for medication some of which hasn’t even been approved. Please report any such incidences immediately. I appeal to the medical people that we have in Kampala to please respect their professional code of conduct and ethics, otherwise, any justified manipulation of patients shall not be condoned. We expect the Uganda Medical Council to come out clear on this,” Hudu noted.
This is part of the actions that the KCCA COVID-19 taskforce will be taking to ensure that the Presidential directives on combating the further spread of the pandemic in the city are implemented and the Standard Operating Procedures by the Ministry of Health are adhered to.
Hudu, leaning on the rapid response team set by KCCA that consists of various security agencies further pledged to deal with any breach of the Presidential directives during these 42 days by Arcades, bars and indoor recreational facilities. This will include revoking of licenses and prosecution of the proprietor.
“Our surveillance teams are at work and we shall be making abrupt inspections of some of the suspicious hotspots within Kampala where we suspect violation of the Presidential directives on bars and recreation centres. It is reported that some people have turned homes into bars and places of gathering. Please note that in doing so, you’re breaking the law and you will be arrested sooner than later if you do not stop,” Hudu cautioned.
In partnership with the Uganda Scouts Association and Children at Risk Network, KCCA is an effort to identify homeless street children in the city to be relocated to one residential area for safety and rehabilitation.
Hudu reaffirmed most of the directives put by President Museveni notably closure of places of worship, curfew time, vaccination and testing, among other pertinent issues within the city during these 42 days. He, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, promised to provide mosquito nets and masks for vendors camping in the markets.
