By Ragan M. Conteh
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Leader of the National Grand Coalition (NGC), has informed Members in the House of Parliament that he was experiencing sour throat in the early morning hours of Thursday 19th March 2019, which made him worried that he might have contracted COVID-19.
According to Hon. Kandeh, he then rushed to 34 Military Hospital and surrendered himself, adding that he explained to the contact tracers and doctors in the Hospital on how he felt like having signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Dr. Kandeh informed the House that he went through all the protocols at the 34 Military Hospital, where he was tested negative of the virus.
He further informed Members in the House that, having gone through the hospital test; he used the opportunity to monitor the capacity and confirmed that 34 Military Hospital is equipped to tackle the coronavirus in Sierra Leone, adding that the measures in the hospital are at international standards to fight the coronavirus.
He admonished the executive arm of government, especially the Ministry of Health, that MPs are worried in most vulnerable communities in terms of the level of preparedness.
Dr. Kandeh furthered that, when he was at the hospital, doctors also informed him that the deplorable condition of the isolation center and the lack of laboratory technicians is their major concern.
He however encouraged Members of Parliament and the general public to go and test if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 as he has done at the 34 Military Hospital.
He also expressed thanks to the Management of the Hospital for the measures they have put to address any suspected case of COVID-19.
“Indeed 34 Military Hospital is fully prepared and ready,” he said.
The NGC Leader also appealed to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to continue to put measures in all districts, especially in the border communities so as to prevent COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.