PRIME Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro says when the deadly COVID-19 pandemic first attack Lesotho in 2020, there was a serious of shortage of medical oxygen and the problem was prevalent in most African countries.

He made these remarks on Friday during the launch of a medical oxygen plant at the Mafeteng Treatment Centre.

The premier said the Ministry of Health is working tirelessly to curb the spread of the pandemic, adding that the nation must also be mentored on how well to protect itself from the virus.

Dr Majoro said the toughest time was in January when the second wave hit the country as there was no medical oxygen for severely hit patients, urging all to remain vigilant at all times.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister of Health, Semano Sekatle said the Mafeteng, Berea and Motebang Treatment facilities will serve as regional centres.   

The Queen Elizabeth II Hospital will serve the central region while the Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital will remain as the country’s referral facility he said, adding that the ministry has a clear plan when it comes to health issues.
Mr Sekatle said there is no doubt concerning services offered at the Mafeteng treatment centre as it has best buildings with quality equipment operated by highly qualified staff.
He said the reason why most COVID-19 patients perish is they come to the health centres too late for treatment, urging them to always get early medical attention.

For his part, the Principal Chief of Likhoele, Chief Lerotholi Seeiso commended the ministry for ensuring that health professionals from Tšepong Hospital were evenly placed within various health facilities across the country.

He confirmed that the Mafeteng Treatment Centre provides quality services to the patients, requesting everybody to observe the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols at all times.