North West: COVID-19 patients skeptical to take prescribed drugs

The increase number of deaths as a result of coronvirus in the North West Region has been linked to the decision of some COVID-19 positive cases not to take drugs included in the national COVID-19 treatment protocol.

In a statistical report of the situation of coronavirus pandemic in the North West Region of Cameroon, the Regional Delegate of public health says “…some coronavirus positive cases have rather resorted to taking other alternative medications which in most cases have led to fatal outcome”. Dr Kingsley Che Soh adds that the North West Regional COVID-19 response team will continue to provide the nationally agreed protocol for treatment of COVID-19 in selected public and confessional hospitals to all the patients who test positive and are willing to recover from the illness.

On the basis of anonymity, a patient that has recovered from coronavirus in Bamenda says “…when i was tested positive, my family advised me to get the drug of Samuel Kleda. So i sent documents of my test to Douala and the medicine was given to me. It treated me and now am fine.”

The patient just feels it’s more reassuring elsewhere than public hospitals. As of July 7th 2020, the North West counts 559 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 328 active cases and 72 linked to treatment. Out of 256 receiving treatment,12 have been hospitalised,8 on oxygen and 4 admitted for other “co mobilities”.

Though 176 have recovered, the North West region has registered 55 deaths.Out of this number, 37 died in the communities while 18 died in hospitals.

Officials have continued the call for voluntary free tests for early treatment.

Mimi Mefo Info.