THE Minister of Health, Semano Sekatle says the ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that Lesotho like its neighbours is able to contain any further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made these remarks during his visit at the Mafeteng Government hospital on Thursday.

Mr Sekatle said although the spread of the pandemic appears to be currently contained, people should still remain on high alert.
He said the battle against the pandemic continues to disrupt people's lives on a daily basis, hence they are unable to address all health issues and eradicate them permanently.

He said as a result, Lesotho has also experienced the rise of other contagious diseases like tuberculosis (TB).

Speaking at the same occasion, the Director General of Health Services, Dr Nyane Letsie said although the Mafeteng Government Hospital is now a referral hospital for COVID-19 patients, it is however imperative that it gets the much needed support from the government.
She said that conditions still need to be re-visited as the pandemic was an eye opener that health facilities should be assisted with equipment that include intensive care unit (ICU).

She said the outbreak of the pandemic opened doors for other diseases, adding that COVID-19 restrictions, shortage of working protective clothing and re-shuffling of staff as some are not permanent workers of the hospital compounded the already difficult situation.
As the ministry, Dr ’Nyane said they are determined to address these issues within a short period, adding however, that this can be achieved through decentralised functional clinics throughout the country and recruitment of new staff members should the minister treat the matter as an emergency.