MBARARA, Uganda — Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital is struggling to cope with a rapid increase in Monkeypox cases, with hospital management warning of critical shortages in medical supplies, staff, and space.
The hospital’s Acting Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye, has urged the government to intervene urgently, citing the hospital’s isolation unit is already overflowing with patients.
“We have many patients of Mpox… We have started admitting under the tent,” Dr. Twesigye stated, highlighting the hospital’s desperate situation.
The lack of comprehensive treatment options and government funding has left Monkeypox patients without basic care, worsening their suffering. With only one doctor handling all Mpox cases, assisted by a small team of nurses and volunteers, the hospital is struggling to manage the rising number of cases effectively.
Dr. Twesigye expressed disappointment at the Ministry of Health’s delayed intervention, stating that the hospital received only basic medical supplies, far from what is needed to manage an infectious disease outbreak.
Hospital administrators are advocating for Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital to be upgraded to a higher status, similar to Mulago National Referral Hospital, to access essential medical supplies.
The hospital’s leadership has urged Parliament and the Ministry of Health to intervene promptly, warning that the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken.
