Kabale Municipality MP leads Health Committee to Kigezi, call for improved services!

Kabale Municipality MP Dr. Nicholas Kamara and a team of MPs from the Health Committee have conducted health facilities monitoring exercise in Kigezi sub-region. They began in Kisoro District and will continue to Kabale, Rukiga, Rukungiri, and Kanungu. During their visit to Busanza Health Centre IV in Kisoro District on November 7, 2023, the MPs observed that the health facility, despite being designated as a Health Centre IV, was operating at the level of a Health Centre III. They called for collaborative efforts to establish a theatre at Busanza Health Centre IV due to its challenging terrain and distance from the general hospital.

Jackline Kyokunzire, a nurse at Busanza Health Centre IV, mentioned that the Ministry of Health had promised a new theatre, but construction had been delayed, hindering their ability to serve the community effectively.

MPs during the monitoring exercise

At Kisoro General Hospital, the MPs found an aging operating theatre with cracks and a leaky roof, and they recommended its closure or renovation to prevent potential harm to patients and staff.

During their oversight visits, the MPs also met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, to discuss the status of operating theatres. Dr. Atwine stated that a contract had been signed with a contractor for Busanza Health Centre IV, and construction would commence soon.

To improve health service efficiency, Hon. George Didi Bhoka advised local governments to prioritize the operation of health centers to reduce the burden on general hospitals.

However, in Rubanda District, the MPs were impressed with the health service delivery. Both health centre IVs had functional operating theatres and necessary equipment. Rubanda was recently ranked the fourth-best district in terms of health service delivery, with only two maternal deaths reported in the last five years. This success was attributed to teamwork, commitment, and supervision by Dr. Alex Kwizera, the Rubanda District Health Officer.

The committee is set to conduct further oversight visits in Kabale District on November 8, 2023, while another section of the committee has been engaged in similar activities in the districts of Rukungiri, Rukiga, and Kanungu.