Mulago Hospital to release patients on voting day

As the general elections draws closer, authorities at Mulago National Referral Hospital have disclosed that on voting day, patients who are recovering and willing to vote will be released.

Speaking in an interview, the public relations officer Enock Kusasira said "if a patient has healed and wants to vote we shall discharge him and he will participate in elections".

He adds that the health workers on duty will also be allowed to participate in the elections but as soon as they cast their vote, they are expected to report to work since the hospital works 24 hours.

On a daily basis, the facility treats over 6,000 out patients with different ailments and about 3,000 are admissions.

Some of the patients New Vision talked to welcomed the idea and are eagerly waiting for the 18^th February.

Ronald Ntegeka 34, said although he is in so much pain he wants to go and cast his vote to his best candidate.

Ntegeka who was involved in a serious accident in Kibaale said, if it is possible the hospital should provide transport for the patients to enable them participate in the general elections.

He said although his polling station is far away from the hospital where he is being admitted they should not deny him a chance to vote.

Malik Mustafa, 26, said his condition is serious since he sustained a fractured leg. He said he cannot hesitate to vote his best candidate if someone takes him to his polling station and takes him back to the hospital.

A 37 year old woman who preferred anonymity said, although she is not well, she will force herself out of the hospital and go and vote, because she does not want to regret in future.  

"I don't want my presidential candidate to lose in the general elections, my vote can contribute to his success," she said.