Bukedea searches for answers to fix health sector
Ground-breaking. Namugongo Rotarians launch the construction works of an accommodation facility for health workers in Kidongole, Bukedea District on Saturday. PHOTO BY GEORGE MURON
What you need to know:
The health facilities with accommodation shortages are Tajar Health Centre II, Akworo Health Centre III, Malera Health Centre III, Kabarwa Health Centre III, Kolir Health Centre III, Kidongole Health Centre III, Kachumbala Health Centre III and Bukedea Health Centre IV
Bukedea District is currently grappling with accommodation shortage for its medical staff.
The district has a population of 135 health workers operating in eight different health facilities.
The health facilities with accommodation shortages are Tajar Health Centre II, Akworo Health Centre III, Malera Health Centre III, Kabarwa Health Centre III, Kolir Health Centre III, Kidongole Health Centre III, Kachumbala Health Centre III and Bukedea Health Centre IV.
Mr Joseph Ochom, the assistant chief administration officer (CAO), during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a four-in-one accommodation facility for health workers in Kidongole Health Centre III funded by Rotary Club of Namugongo, said the district lacks resources.
“Of the 135 health workers in the district, less than 60 are enjoying accommodation facilities within their areas of jurisdiction, others are renting,” Mr Ochom said.
The Bukedea District health officer, Dr Stephen Ikodet, said Kidongole Health Centre III in Kidongole Sub-county, which serves approximately 35,000 people, houses only two health workers instead of 19.
“Sometimes we find it difficult when it comes to transferring health workers because they always challenge us and pose several questions over accommodation,” Mr Ikodet said.
The situation
The chairperson of Kidongole Sub-county, Mr Samuel Okurut, said the condition has affected the quality of services.
The health centre’s in-charge, Mr Stephen Okiror, said the condition forced him to surrender his apartment at the facility for a mid-wife.
Earlier in 2018, Rotarians from Namugongo during their visit at a medical camp at Kidongole Health Centre III, pledged their support to construct a four in one accommodation facility for health workers.
The president of the Rotary club Namugongo, Mr Albert Ajuna, said the conception of the project was arrived at following pleas from the community.
Mr Ajuna said the project, which is estimated at Shs140 million, will help bring health services nearer to the community.
