Derrick
Residents of Nyakishenyi in Rukungiri district, led by their sub-county chairperson, Wednesday Twinomujuni, have called on the government to upgrade Nyakishenyi Health Centre 3 to a Health Centre 4.
They made this request during an NRM structure mobilization meeting at Nyakishenyi sub-county headquarters, where they were joined by NRM party district chairperson, Minister Jim Muhwezi.
Wednesday Twinomujuni highlighted the current challenges, explaining that due to the lack of adequate health services, patients have to travel long distances to Kebisoni Health Centre 4 or Kambuga Hospital in the neighboring Kanungu district. This is not only inconvenient but also expensive for the local residents, and they believe that having better healthcare facilities closer to home is crucial.
He noted that Nyakishenyi Health Centre 3 receives over 50 patients daily, but most expectant mothers are often referred to Kambuga Hospital or Kebisoni Health Centre 4 due to limitations in space, medical specialists, and necessary equipment for maternal care. He also expressed concern about the absence of an ambulance at the facility, which makes it difficult to transfer patients to other healthcare centers, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes.
Mathius Rwabugumi, the district councilor for Nyarushanje Sub County and the secretary for Health in Rukungiri district, emphasized the need for Nyakishenyi and Nyarushanje to have fully functional Health Centre 4 facilities. He believes that this would bring healthcare services closer to the community, similar to Rujumbura, which already has two Health Centre 4 facilities, Bugangari and Buhunga.
Minister Jim Muhwezi assured the residents that he would raise the issue with the Ministry of Health and the President for consideration. If the process faces delays or complications, he promised to organize fundraising efforts to improve healthcare services in the area while waiting for government intervention.
