SIMPSON M
Residents of Karangaaro Ward in Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality, have raised concerns over the need to upgrade Karangaaro Health Centre II to a Health Centre III.
Speaking to Boona FM today, residents including Rekaabo Belia and Frank Turyahikayo Salongo said the facility serves a large catchment area and receives more than 500 patients every month.
They noted that pregnant women are forced to travel long distances to seek medical services from other health facilities because of the limited capacity at Karangaaro Health Centre II.
The residents added that some smaller nearby health facilities have already been upgraded, yet Karangaaro Health Centre II continues to offer limited services.
They also expressed disappointment with political leaders, accusing them of making promises during election periods but failing to follow up after being voted into office.
The residents have now appealed to their leaders to intervene and push for the facility’s upgrade to Health Centre III status.
They further revealed that the health centre lacks a water tank, which they say is essential for both patients and staff.
The Town Clerk for Western Division, Mr. John Kwesiga, said the issue of electricity is already being addressed. He explained that wiring at the facility has been completed and that by the end of May, the health centre will have electricity once the funds, which are already available in the system, are released.
Mr. Kwesiga added that the division leadership will continue engaging politicians and other stakeholders to lobby for support until the health centre is upgraded.
Meanwhile, the LC3 Chairperson for Western Division, Madam Twinomujuni Sylvia Katimbira, said leaders are fully aware of the urgency of upgrading the facility, especially to help women access timely antenatal services.
She said the process of upgrading the health centre has already started and noted that Presidential Advisor Peace Rugambwa has contributed support by donating an ambulance to the facility. She further revealed that the Principal Health Officer has started preparing the necessary documentation to facilitate the elevation of the facility to Health Centre III status.
