Doctors, Rotarians call for specialised services at lower health facilities
Feb 21, 2024
"Even when the health centre is here at Sanga, there is a lot that should be done to see that people get good services," Kumbakumba said.
A mother trying to explain her illiness to a nurse during the medical camp. (Photos by Adolf Ayoreka)
Adolf Ayoreka
Journalist @New Vision
______________________ Some of the patients seated in the waiting tent before being examined by the specialists at the medical camp at Sanga Health Centre III
The Government has been urged to provide more specialised services at lower health centres.
Doctors and members of the Rotary Club of Mbarara say the move will reduce the number of patients at regional referral hospitals in the country.
This call was made during a Rotary medical camp at Sanga Health centre III in Kiruhura district over the weekend where over 500 people received treatment for various illnesses.
Dr. Elias Kumbakumba, the head of paediatric department at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, who is also a Rotary Club member, said the big turnup of patients was an indication that the biggest population in local communities are not satisfied with the quality and type of services offered at lower health facilities.
According to him, services for dental, eye, and cervical cancer screening in women and diabetes and blood pressure check-ups are not offered at lower health facilities hence the need for the Government to extend these specialised services to communities to avert the crisis at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
“Even when the health centre is here at Sanga, there is a lot that should be done to see that people get good services. That is why we come in as Rotary with specialised doctors at least to compliment on the efforts of the Government where we think it cannot reach in the shortest possible time,” Kumbakumba said.
Godfrey Kwikiriza, a member of the Rotary Club of Mbarara who was heading the medical camp, said before the medical camp, they assessed to ascertain the very services that are needed by the residents, especially those that are not offered a level of health centre III.
“We made sure we brought specialised treatment in dental, eye and cervical cancer screening which are not offered at the facility and the turn up showed us that people are sick and need more services extended to them”
Hajji Muhamud Rwakiseta, one of the people who received treatment told New Vision Online that the medical camp has helped many people to get services that are not offered at their health facility.
“I have received my medication for free. I wish Rotary people were going to do this at least for two days, it was going to be a big relief to our people in the area especially those who cannot manage to Mbarara for specialized health care like dental” said Rwakiseta.
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