15 May 2020

 Bamalete Lutheran Hospital (BLH) has stopped performing all surgical operations.

All patients who were booked for operation will be referred to Princess Marina Referral Hospital.

Acting Hospital Superintendent, Dr Pierrot Mwanza said in an interview on May 14 that the hospital’s sole theater was currently closed to pave way for renovations.

“What is closed is the theatre. It has been closed to refurbish its air-conditioning,” he said quelling fears that the hospital had closed its maternity ward.

“The absence of air-conditioning in a theater room is a health hazard that could expose patients to health complications and risk their lives, he added.

Dr Mwanza said the best option was to cease all operations at the facility after their makeshift theater also experienced problems.

As a result, he said the hospital was incapacitated to carry all surgeries including caesarean sections, pointing out that the hospital would however continue to help expectant mothers to give birth naturally, while only those requiring surgical operation would be referred to Princess Marina Referral Hospital.

Dr Mwanza said they had expected the renovations to be completed by end of May, but it looks unlikely due to extreme social distancing restrictions.

He said being one of the most sought public hospital in the country, BLH continued to thrive to uphold its reputation.

Dr Mwanza said the theater renovation was for the good of the BLH clientele, and for the hospital to maintain its good reputation. Ends