Angala needed oxygen
TUYEIMO HAIDULA
OSHAKATI
Former Oshikoto health director Peter Kefas Angala’s family had to scramble for a hospital bed when his condition began to deteriorate after testing positive for Covid-19.
He died on Monday at a private hospital in Otjiwarongo shortly before he was meant to be flown to the north for medical treatment.
Admitted on Sunday, Angala had been in self-isolation at home in Otjiwarongo after testing positive for the virus.
As the country continues to face oxygen shortages while waiting for the health ministry to set up oxygen generators, Angala’s family had to call several hospitals to secure a spot for him.
On social media, complaints are rife that people are dying in their homes simply because when they call an ambulance, they are told to first secure a bed at a hospital before the patient can be picked up.
So dreadful has the situation become that some patients’ family members have opted to procure their own oxygen tanks to keep their loved ones alive.
“You must call around to hospitals to find out if they have beds available because they don’t want to pick you up and have nowhere to take you after,” one of the complaints read.
No oxygen, aenesthesia
Meanwhile at Oshakati hospital, there is both an oxygen and a general aenesthesia shortage. For weeks, the hospital has been unable to handle theatre cases which need general anesthesia. The hospital is yet to get an oxygen tank supply and has been relying on cylinders for now. Oshikuku hospital has been assisting Oshakati with cases that cannot wait.
Oshana regional health director Johanna Haimene said the hospital is still trying to figure out a solution so that departments which need oxygen can have enough for patients. She added that the hospital is overwhelmed by the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Haimene encouraged Namibians to take their Covid-19 vaccinations as the country finds itself in a third wave.
She emphasised that Namibians should follow the protocols put in place as hospitals continue to be overwhelmed and being admitted will no longer be an option.
Haimene further said people should desist from large gatherings. Going to weddings and funerals should be avoided, and if done, social distancing should be practiced, she said.
“Wear your masks and sanitise. That is the only way we can win the fight against Covid-19.”
– [email protected]
OSHAKATI
Former Oshikoto health director Peter Kefas Angala’s family had to scramble for a hospital bed when his condition began to deteriorate after testing positive for Covid-19.
He died on Monday at a private hospital in Otjiwarongo shortly before he was meant to be flown to the north for medical treatment.
Admitted on Sunday, Angala had been in self-isolation at home in Otjiwarongo after testing positive for the virus.
As the country continues to face oxygen shortages while waiting for the health ministry to set up oxygen generators, Angala’s family had to call several hospitals to secure a spot for him.
On social media, complaints are rife that people are dying in their homes simply because when they call an ambulance, they are told to first secure a bed at a hospital before the patient can be picked up.
So dreadful has the situation become that some patients’ family members have opted to procure their own oxygen tanks to keep their loved ones alive.
“You must call around to hospitals to find out if they have beds available because they don’t want to pick you up and have nowhere to take you after,” one of the complaints read.
No oxygen, aenesthesia
Meanwhile at Oshakati hospital, there is both an oxygen and a general aenesthesia shortage. For weeks, the hospital has been unable to handle theatre cases which need general anesthesia. The hospital is yet to get an oxygen tank supply and has been relying on cylinders for now. Oshikuku hospital has been assisting Oshakati with cases that cannot wait.
Oshana regional health director Johanna Haimene said the hospital is still trying to figure out a solution so that departments which need oxygen can have enough for patients. She added that the hospital is overwhelmed by the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Haimene encouraged Namibians to take their Covid-19 vaccinations as the country finds itself in a third wave.
She emphasised that Namibians should follow the protocols put in place as hospitals continue to be overwhelmed and being admitted will no longer be an option.
Haimene further said people should desist from large gatherings. Going to weddings and funerals should be avoided, and if done, social distancing should be practiced, she said.
“Wear your masks and sanitise. That is the only way we can win the fight against Covid-19.”
– [email protected]
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