Senior Reporter
The provision of quality healthcare services in Rubanda District is under severe strain due to the lack of sufficient staff quarters within its health centers.
This concern was highlighted by multiple facility administrators yesterday while receiving a much-needed donation of 400 Mama Kits, generously given by Anna Asiimwe, a resident of Kakore in Hamurwa Town Council and a businesswoman currently vying for the Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament seat.
Anna’s compassionate gesture included 50 Mama Kits for Bubare Health Center III, 150 Mama Kits for Hamurwa Health Center IV, another 150 Mama Kits for Muko Health Center IV, and a final 50 Mama Kits for Bufundi Health Center III.
At the Bubare Health Center III in Bubare Sub County, Joan Birungi, an enrolled nurse, emphasized the formidable challenge posed by the absence of proper staff accommodations. Birungi disclosed that the center’s health team, which consists of 15 dedicated members, only saw two midwives residing on the premises.
In her earnest appeal to the government, she stressed the urgent need to construct staff quarters to effectively deliver services to the community. Moreover, she articulated the facility’s aspiration to expand its services by introducing patient admissions. Presently, the facility copes with a monthly influx of approximately 950 patients.
Echoing similar concerns, Benon Abirnjuna, the Public Health Nurse at Hamurwa Health Center IV, revealed that out of the 72 health workers stationed at the center, less than 10 are provided with adequate accommodations.
This shortfall has noticeably impacted service delivery, causing delays as health workers who commute from distant locations face difficulties. Despite the challenges, the facility continues to serve over 150 patients monthly.
Dr. Bampabwire Godfrey Amooti, the head of Muko Health Center IV, shared that the facility’s four existing staff quarters are presently housing a mere 10 medical personnel. As the center transitioned into a District hospital, he expressed hope for an increased allocation of staff quarters.
The current workforce includes 49 government health workers and 8 private health workers, collectively serving an impressive 10,909 patients, in addition to facilitating 100 to 120 maternal deliveries, monthly.
Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, Nuwagaba Mpagi Domic, the assistant inventory management officer in the office of the District Health Officer, Rubanda, affirmed the district’s recognition of the situation.
He confirmed that measures are being explored, including the construction of staff quarters, to fortify and streamline service delivery within the healthcare facilities.
