Patients have shunned Butema Health Center III in Buhanika sub-county, Hoima district after two health workers attached to the facility succumbed to COVID-19.
Last month, two health workers attached to the health facility lost the battle to coronavirus.
According to records, between 100 and 150 people sought treatment at the facility each day. However, less than 20 people turn up at the facility each day for treatment following the death of the two health workers.
The majority of the patients have resorted to the few available drug shops and the clinics within their vicinity for treatment.
He said that they also ran out of essential drugs for treating COVID-19 cases and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) which exposes more health workers to risk of contracting COVID-19.
Joan Namagala, a nurse who was on the maternity ward when our reporter visited the health centre, said that they often received between 60 and 70 expectant mothers turning up for antenatal care and delivery each month.
She, however, said that only 12 mothers visited the health centre last month. Namagala noted that they are working amid risky conditions due to lack of PPEs. Jamil Kasangaki, the Buhanika Sub County LC 3 Chairperson applauded health workers who have continued working despite the loss of their colleagues to COVID-19.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya county Member of Parliament has appealed to residents to continue using the health facility to get appropriate health services.
Our reporter visited the wards and found most of the beds empty. Some of the patients who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that they fled the hospital for fear of contracting the virus after learning that more than a dozen health workers had tested positive for COVID-19.