Kayunga hospital yet to be renovated 40 years later

KAYUNGA

Broken and rusted beds, stained mattresses and a collapsing ceiling is what best describes facilities of Kayunga General Hospital.

Officially opened in 1973, the 40-year-old hospital has never been renovated, explaining its current “rotten state “. Dr Ediriisa Musisi, the District Medical Officer, said they were surprised that the hospital is not among those being renovated by the government. He added that they are, however, trying to lobby government to have the hospital renovated this financial year.

The hospital senior administrator, Mr Moses Nameta, said part the sewage and water system broke down a long time ago, forcing them to close the toilets.

The hospital hires porters to fetch water for use in the operating theatre. “The theatre needs a lot of water for cleaning blood and for medical workers to clean themselves. In fact, if there is no water, there cannot be any operation in the theatre because by doing so, you will be promoting infection,” Mr Nameta said.

Mr Nameta said about Shs900 billion is required for the renovation exercise and to re-equip the facility that was meant to serve the then sub-district of Kayunga but now serves patients from Kamuli, Nakasongola, Luweero, Mukono, Buikwe and Apac districts.

The hospital has 100 beds but according to statistics, it handles 5,000 cases every day.
In addition, the hospital administrator says the X-ray and Ultra sound scan machines broke down, forcing medical personnel to refer patients who need such services to private clinics that charge them between Shs25,000 and Shs30,000.

“About Shs35m is needed to buy a new scan while Shs14m is needed to repair the X-ray which funds we don’t have. It would, however, be better to buy new machines as their lifespan expired some time back,” Mr Nameta said.

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