MPs fault health officials on funds

The lawmakers demand results if more budget allocations are to be made for health services.

MPs have blamed officials from the Ministry of Health for misusing funds, saying it frustrates their effort to lobby for more budgetary allocation for the sector when there are no results to show how the money is appropriated.

During the launch of the National Obstetric Fistula Strategy on Tuesday in Kampala, the legislators said they want more staff recruited in the health facilities since money has already been allocated for that purpose.

“We want to see drugs and equipment purchased rather than the ministry doing other things like hiring ware houses,” Ms Rose Okullu, the Bukedea Woman MP, said.

Ms Okullu said Bukedea hospital did not receive any cervical cancer screening machines yet money was allocated for that purpose.
“We labour so much to advocate for more budget allocations and struggle for a supplementary budget but services in hospitals degenerate instead of improving. It is difficult to partner with you,” Ms Chritine Acayo (Woman MP, Nebbi) said.

“Hoima Hospital only has one gynecologist. How can we mobilise people to go to hospitals where there are no doctors?” Ms Masiko Kabakumba (Bujenje County) asked.

The remarks follow an appeal by Health officials to mobilise and educate their constituents about fistula and encourage the women to give birth from hospitals.

The Minister of State in-charge of Primary Healthcare, Ms Sarah Opendi, said more staff would be recruited for the health sector by the end of February.

Maracha District Woman MP, Ms Lematia Ondoru, said government should revise its decentralisation programme for the health system if it is to deliver the right services.

flanyero@ug.nationmedia.com