Times Of Swaziland: HEALTH SYSTEM STRAINED AS 9 IN ICU

HEALTH SYSTEM STRAINED AS 9 IN ICU
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Thokozani Mamba on 28/12/2020 08:14:00


MBABANE – The country’s health system is in dire strain after it was
confirmed that nine patients are admitted to the Lubombo Referral Hospital’s
Intensive Care Unit due to COVID-19-related illnesses.
According to the Ministry of Health Principal Secretary (PS), Dr Simon Zwane, 23
are in high care and on oxygen therapy. Among those in high care and oxygen
therapy are health workers. Zwane said the increase in the number of infections
has become a double blow for the health workers as they have to take care of the
patients and bear the risk of being infected with the virus. The PS said the
ministry had observed a sharp rise in the figures of health workers infected
with the virus since the beginning of the month.
Admitted
“Yes we have nine patients admitted to the ICU and 23 are on health care all
in oxygen therapy. As the number of infections increases, this becomes a double
blow for the health workers as they have to take care of the patients and bear
the risk of being infected themselves. “As we see the sharp rise of numbers of
health workers infected with the virus, that means we have a decreasing
workforce on the ground. The ones that remain on duty will experience burnout
quite easily,” elaborated the PS. Zwane further noted a great concern on the
behaviour of some emaSwati who seem to have adopted a carefree attitude and not
adhering to the laid down precautions.
“We are greatly concerned by the behaviour of some emaSwati in not adhering to
the laid down regulations and health is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
Echoing the PS’s sentiments on the alarming figures of infections, Director of
Health Services Dr Vusi Magagula confirmed the number of patients admitted to
the facility’s ICU, mentioning that the nation should continue adhering to the
health regulations. “The minister continues to present the daily statistics of
the infections to ensure the nation is aware of the latest figures. The numbers
are on the rise so far and people should ensure they continue to observe the
regulations always,” Magagula said.