MPs, CSOs want Primary Health Care funding increased

By Henry Sekanjako

MPs and Civil society organizations (CSOs) are demanding for an additional funding of Sh39billion to facilitate health centers II, III and IVs.

Speaking during an interaction with CSOs under their body umbrella Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), on the Health sector ministerial statement for financial year 2014/2015, the MPs on the health committee and CSOs expressed concern that the non- wage budget for PHC had remained stagnant.

“The ministry should cut down on money spent on computers; workshops and consider funding areas such as health center II, III and IVS that benefit the local people,” said Medard Bitekyerezo the acting committee chairperson.

Presenting their analysis of the health sector ministerial policy statement for financial year 2014/2015 CSBAG said government had continuously allocated only shs 15billion for PHC which they said is not enough to cater for the increasing demands of the lower level health centers.

They explained that some health facilities get an average of shs 120,000 a month.

“We appeal to the committee to demand that the ministry of finance and the executive provide an additional Sh 39.5billion to enhance PHC so that health centers can operate at a reasonable level,” said Robinah Biteyi , the National coordinator white ribbon alliance Uganda.

The CSOs noted that some health center are given  Shillings as little as Sh 50,000, and Sh 100,000 on a monthly basis to cater for  electricity , fuel for ambulances among other daily needs by these centers.

The ministry of health in its 2014/2015 budgetary allocations, requested for an additional funding of Sh39.5b for PHC; however the request was not honored by ministry of finance.

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