Top orthopedic surgeon succumbs as Covid-19 takes toll on professionals

A renowned surgeon in Busia County has succumbed to Covid-19 complications. Daniel Alushula died on Friday at the Avenue Hospital in Kisumu.

Dr Alushula had been admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for some days after he contracted the virus, but later transferred to the general ward when he showed some improvement.

Alushula was a consultant orthopedic surgeon in Busia County and also operated an orthopedic clinic at the Kakamega General hospital.

He served patients in Bungoma and Vihiga counties. Following his death, Busia County now does not have an orthopedic surgeon.

Former medical superintendent at the Busia Referral Hospital David Mukabi who worked closely with Alushula said the senior medic has left a big void that may not be filled.

Former Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Ouma Oluga described Alushula as a doctor who did his work with passion.

“You did your work on earth with passion. Going beyond the call of duty to treat trauma and orthopedic patients with dedication,” Dr Oluga wrote on his twitter account.

On Thursday, Kakamega County Chief of Staff Robert Sumbi also succumbed to coronavirus. Former Kakamega gubernatorial candidate Mable Muruli also succumbed to the same disease.

Kakmega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya eulogised Alushula as a dedicated expert who executed his duties with passion.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, in his message of condolence, said Alushula earned numerous accolades from his four decades of professional service that extended to neighbouring counties.

Elsewhere, 17 students who tested positive for Covid-19 are under supervision at Webuye County Hospital. According to Bungoma deputy governor Charles Ngome, 11 of the 17 infected students are from Kamusinga School while the rest are from Kimilili Boys.

“We are calling on school administrations to designate facilities that will serve as isolation centres,” said Prof Ngome.