Masindi residents oppose conversion of hospital wards into private wing
A section view of Masindi Hospital located in Masindi District. Photo by ISMAIL BATEGEKA
What you need to know:
The petition, signed by 2,000 people, follows a resolution made during the district council’s ordinary meeting on February 27, 2025, to create a private wing at the hospital
Residents of Masindi have petitioned the Minister of Health and the Permanent Secretary to intervene in the Masindi District Local Government’s decision to establish a private wing at Masindi General Hospital. They argue that the move will deprive vulnerable patients of essential public healthcare services.
The petition, signed by 2,000 people, follows a resolution made during the district council’s ordinary meeting on February 27, 2025, to create a private wing at the hospital. The plan involves converting some existing government structures, including the TASO center, to enhance service delivery and generate revenue for the district.
Lead petitioner Innocent Turyahikayo, along with fellow residents and activists, expressed concern that converting hospital spaces into private wards—while potentially improving healthcare financing—should not come at the expense of already congested public wards in desperate need of expansion.
"In our petition to the Ministry of Health, we propose that if a private facility is necessary, authorities should allocate space elsewhere, construct new buildings, or explore a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), rather than repurposing existing critical hospital wards," Turyahikayo stated.
The district's decision to establish a private wing was influenced by a benchmarking visit to Kiryandongo Hospital. However, petitioners argue that the evaluation failed to consider the negative impact privatization could have on the quality of care for general patients.
"Masindi General Hospital has a history of under-the-table payments to health workers. Some fear that this initiative is merely a way to formalize such payments, potentially leading to a decline in public healthcare quality," Turyahikayo added.
One of the most contentious aspects of the plan is the allocation of 19 rooms to the private wing, including Serina Ward, which was originally built to alleviate congestion in the female ward. Turyahikayo argues that repurposing this space contradicts its intended purpose and will disproportionately affect women’s access to medical care.
The Pediatrics Ward is also at risk, with seven rooms designated for the private wing. Petitioners argue that pediatric care requires specialized facilities, and reducing space could negatively impact the treatment of critically ill children.
"The Maternity Ward, already struggling with overcrowding, is set to lose two rooms. Reducing this space would heighten maternal and neonatal health risks, potentially forcing some women to give birth outside hospital premises," Turyahikayo warned.
Additionally, the TASO Block, which provides essential services to HIV/AIDS patients, is among the spaces targeted for conversion. Petitioners argue that reallocating this facility could stigmatize HIV patients and reduce their access to necessary care.
The residents urge the Ministry of Health to reconsider the decision and ensure that public healthcare remains accessible and adequately resourced for all patients.
Mr Maurice Barole, one of the petitioners, emphasized that reducing space for public healthcare would directly harm low-income patients who depend on free services. "The pediatric and maternity wards are always full. We cannot afford to lose even a single room," Barole said.
Similarly, activist Mr. Rogers Kanti warned against relocating TASO services, stating that it would deter HIV/AIDS patients from seeking care due to increased stigma.
"Even with mainstreaming efforts, many people still trust TASO for HIV services. Shifting its location could have devastating consequences," Kanti said.
