Health Ministry Seeks Shs465b to Fight COVID-19 for Next Six Months

The Ministry of Health has tabled before the Parliamentary Government Assurance committee budget requirement of a sum of Shs465.8bn for the funding of COVID-19 pandemic related activities for the next six months.

The request was tabled by the State Minister for Primary Health Care, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu who had appeared before the committee with the Ministry Permanent secretary, Dr.Diana Atwine.

Moriku revealed that as a break down, the Ministry needs Shs4.7 billion shillings to maintain 386 health workers for the next six months.

The Minister noted that the required funds will go for payment of the corona virus health workers and their NSSF obligation.

She told the committee members that the ministry would also require 100.3 billion shillings for procurement of personal protective equipment taking the health workers to December.

On the other hand, Dr. Moriku revealed that by 15 August, 109 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds would have been installed at the Regional Referral hospitals as well as the oxygen plants which shall be fully installed by 30th August 2020.

She added that the ministry is expected to procure 38 road and boat Ambulances by September .

Dr.Moriku further noted that the Ministry has a funding gap of 240.5 billion shillings for the test kits and laboratory consumables for the next six months .

The committee members asked the ministry of health to avail a list of all health workers undertaking activities of COVID-19 and showing where are deployed in the country.