Health centres turned into lodges

Busia South MP Julius Maganda says the district has a low health budget. FILE PHOTO

BUSIA- Residents of Masaba Sub-county in Busia District have accused district health authorities of failing to operationalise three health centre IIs that were constructed in the area in the financial year 2010/2011.

The residents led by Butangasi Parish chairman Lucas Mangeni told Daily Monitor on Tuesday that Butangasi, Kubo and Buyanga health centre IIs have since been turned into makeshift lodges and dens where thieves hide stolen merchandise.

“The authorities have been deceiving the populace since 2013 that the facilities would be opened soon, but nothing ever happens. Now thieves use them as stores and lovers go there for quick sex, which is a shame to the community,” said Mr Mangeni.

Busia South MP Julius Maganda blamed the district authorities for embarking on an ambitious mission which saw them construct 17 health centre IIs in the district yet they did not have the means to operationalise them.

The acting district health officer, Dr Lilly Achayo, said she was not aware that the facilities were being used for other purposes other than those for which they were constructed.

Dr Achayo said the health centres were not operating because the Ministry of Health did not give them codes to enable them access drugs from the National Medical Stores.

He explained that staff shortages were caused by delays in obtaining permission from the ministry to recruit staff.

Busia North MP John Mulimba blamed the whole scenario on government failure to allocate enough money to the health sector.