Senior Reporter
A parliamentary health committee on Tuesday uncovered a troubling issue at Busanza Health Centre IV in Kisoro District. The center’s complete blood count (CBC) machine is not operational due to a lack of electricity.
A CBC test is a critical blood examination that assesses overall health and can detect various medical conditions, such as anemia, infections, and leukemia. It measures parameters like red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
During their oversight visit to the Kigezi sub-region, the Health Committee of Parliament, led by Hon. Dr. Kamara Nicholas, identified several deficiencies at Busanza Health Centre IV. Hon. Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu, representing Mbarara district, pointed out the facility’s shortcomings, including the absence of a theater, blood transfusion services, sufficient space for operations and expansion, isolation and general wards, and an inadequate number of staff.
Rwebyambu criticized district officials for neglecting their responsibility to oversee and ensure the timely delivery of services in government facilities, particularly in a border sub-county where emergencies can happen at any time.
The Senior Nursing Officer at Busanza Health Centre IV, Agnes Ayinkamire, acknowledged the government’s unfulfilled promises to establish a theater but appreciated the parliamentary health committee’s efforts to engage with grassroots communities. She expressed hope that the committee’s involvement could expedite the fulfillment of these promises.
The parliamentary team also visited Kisoro Hospital, where they observed the poor condition of the hospital’s theater, which poses a risk to patients and medical staff. Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kamara pledged that the committee would compile a comprehensive report to present before parliament, especially during the next financial year’s budget discussions. He assured that the information gathered from the Kisoro district health office about all health facilities would be thoroughly reviewed, with a priority placed on addressing the identified issues.
Additionally, earlier on Tuesday, the committee visited three health centers in Rukiga District, namely Mparo Health Center IV, Kyerero Health Center II, and Bukinda Health Centre III. The committee members stayed in Rukungiri Municipality, and they plan to conclude their visit with Rukungiri and later Kanungu on Wednesday.
