Yumbe Hospital facilities shock MPs

Jan 26, 2009

MPS on the social services committee were on Wednesday shocked at the poor conditions at Yumbe Hospital. The visit was part of a week-long field inspection by the MPs to assess the level of service delivery at selected health units in the north.

By Frank Mugabi

MPS on the social services committee were on Wednesday shocked at the poor conditions at Yumbe Hospital.

The visit was part of a week-long field inspection by the MPs to assess the level of service delivery at selected health units in the north.

“It is very absurd for mothers who have just delivered to sleep on boxes and wires. Labour is painful enough for a mother to deserve such a reception,” Teopista Ssentongo, a committee member, observed.

The lawmakers, led by the committee vice-chairperson, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, described the hospital as “depressing” and called for immediate intervention from the health ministry.

The medical superintendent, Dr. Joseph Mwanje, said they had not received new mattresses since the hospital was commissioned in 1969.

Mwanje said they would start procuring at least three mattresses each month using the sh21m they get from the Government each month.

The hospital also has a rundown water system, lacks electricity and the tools used in the operation theatre are sterilised using a charcoal stove.

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