Two months on, Katakwi mothers still deliver in phone-lit wards

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Midwives at Palam Health Centre II in Katakwi district have endured challenging conditions over the past two months, relying on the flashlights on their mobile phones to assist expectant mothers during delivery due to a persistent power outage at the facility.

The health centre, the only one in the sub-county, has been operating in the dark since the inverter of its solar system broke down. This has made it especially difficult to provide care in the maternity ward, outpatient department (OPD), and staff accommodation at night.

Serving between 15 and 20 pregnant women each month, the facility caters to a population of over 16,072, including 4,600 children under the age of five, from approximately 13 surrounding villages.

Palam HC II Maternity incharge, Esther Amujal checking an expectant mother in a dark room. (PHOTO BY EMMANUEL ALOMU)

Esther Amujal, the maternity in-charge and second in command at the centre, said they now advise expectant mothers attending antenatal care to bring a torch, especially as most deliveries occur at night.

Amujal mentioned that while midwives sometimes use their mobile phones for lighting, the situation worsens when their phones are not charged, especially during periods of low solar energy, since charging is done at the subcounty headquarters.

They also advise mothers to bring an attendant to hold the phone during delivery.

“In cases where a mother develops a tear, we rely on small phones for repairs. It’s risky for us, as there's a chance of contracting diseases, but thankfully, none of us has suffered a prick,” Amujal shared.

Mothers have voiced their struggles in accessing safe deliveries, particularly since the inverter malfunctioned.

They are urgently appealing to the government to provide a reliable solar or electric power supply for the facility.

Annet Scovia Ichumar shared that women are often referred to distant facilities, particularly if the midwives’ phones are not charged due to the lack of power at the sub-county headquarters.

Emmanuel Omongin, a father, described his distress when he attempted to buy a phone from a nearby facility, only to find that none were available, just as his wife was about to give birth. Unfortunately, the midwife also couldn’t use her phone due to a lack of power.

Joyce Amuge, a mother from Arusi-Akan village, was fortunate to deliver at 6am. However, she expressed concern about not having access to a phone for night deliveries.

Mothers such as Jeniffer Acen and Esther Apio said that holding a phone with a flashlight in the midwife’s mouth impairs their ability to hear instructions during labour, making it difficult to follow commands when pushing the baby out.

Many mothers lamented that financial constraints prevent them from buying torches to use during delivery.

Palam subcounty speaker Emmanuel Ochole acknowledged the challenges women in his area are facing. He said the subcounty council has been advocating for improved lighting systems, though no tangible results have been realised.

Meanwhile, district health officer Dr Simon Ichumar Omeke confirmed that a new inverter has been procured using primary health care (PHC) funds to replace the faulty one.

Both health workers and patients are urging the government to improve staffing, provide staff accommodation, construct a kitchen, and ensure a consistent drug supply, among other pressing needs.