In light of the upsurge in COVID-19 cases in the Khomas Region, the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) has called on cancer patients who do not need urgent medical attention to postpone their appointments until August.

CAN made the call on Monday in a media statement, saying this is part of their response measures to try and alleviate pressure on the overwhelmed Windhoek Central Hospital due to the upsurge in COVID-19 cases and the need for beds.

“We recommend that cancer patients who do not need urgent medical attention, treatment and only follow-ups to please stay at home rather and reschedule your medical appointment in Windhoek for as from August 2021,” it said.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has been at work since last week to ready the association’s interim homes to move State cancer patients from Windhoek Central Hospital to the association’s homes.

“All cancer patients needing accommodation at our House Acacia and CHICA Interim Home will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test (valid 72 hours) upon arrival. They must follow the patient admission process diligently and must adhere to the COVID-19 protocols in addition to the patient rotation systems now in place to ensure social distance and patient management,” it further read.

These arrangements are envisaged to remain effective for at least six weeks.

CAN further said it not able to rent or borrow oxygen machines to COVID-19 patients.

“We have limited machines/units left that are continually out with cancer patients and upon return must be serviced and cleaned for use of the next cancer patient. Usually, we have a waiting list. In several cases, we have relied on oxygen cylinder rentals from AFROX and have to guide our cancer patients on use thereof,” it said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency