State Minister for Health, MP Baryomunis has bashed traditional media and social media for ranting and blowing up the breakdown of the radiotherapy machine at Mulago, claiming they will die at the end of the day.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said everything is under control, and Ugandans should not make a big deal out of the issue.
Recently, the health ministry has come under fire especially on different social media platforms with Ugandans using #SaveMulago to voice their dissatisfaction with Uganda’s Health System.
The issue would later be raised on the floor of parliament by Bufumbira East MP Mr. Eddie Kwizera on Thursday with concern of the breakdown of the radiotherapy machine as a matter of national importance.
As he moved to have the house debate the issue, Hon Kwizera said; “This Government already purchased a radiotherapy machine in 2013, why have we been using an old machine? The minister for Health should explain to the house.”
The not so pleased Hon Baryomunsi then clarified that: “There is no cause for alarm, compared to what the media has published; the situation is under control, as Government has received an offer from Aga-Khan hospital in Nairobi to treat up to 400 patients.”
The minister further informed the house that Government will take care of all the bills for the patients, including upkeep, accommodation and the bill for the patients.
Hon Paul Mwiru then suggested that Government should issue an embargo for all rich cancer patients who need radiotherapy not to be allowed to leave the country, saying this would make Government expedite process of setting up and purchasing the radiotherapy machine.
Serere District Woman MP, Hon Alice Alaso asked the Health Minister if there would be any plans of compensation for the families of cancer victims who have died due to lack of access to radiotherapy.
“Over the weekend we buried a priest in Serere who passed away due to no access to the regular radiotherapy he was receiving.” said Hon Alaso
House Speaker Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga asked the Minister to present a list of patients who need radiotherapy and a budget of how much the government plans to spend.
