Pallisa boss quizzed over poor service delivery

PIC: Patrick Duchu, the Pallisa district vice-chairperson. (Credit: Lawrence Okwakol)

HEALTH

PALLISA - Patrick Duchu, the vice-chairperson of Pallisa district local government was quizzed by communities in Kasodo and Agule sub-counties over poor health service delivery.

Valentine Abuka, the LC3 chairperson of Kasodo sub-county, challenged Duchu to explain why Kasodo health centre III's labour room has a cracked floor.

Duchu, who doubles as the secretary for education and health, was told to commit himself in writing to ensure inadequate staffing. He was also told to make sure floor tiles are fixed in the labour ward. 

"I have committed myself to ensure that at least three nurses are hired because the current staff of nine cannot handle the load," he said.

Berita Amulen, a midwife attached to Kasodo Health Centre III, said they risk delivering mothers without gloves because of stock-outs.

"Most expectant mothers are brought to give birth at night without a single pair of gloves," she said.

In Agule sub-county, William Emuron, the district councilor, said for the past 10 years, Agule health centre III used to get quarters releases of sh600,000, which has again been reduced to sh400,000.

Emuron said the population of Agule sub-county was 11,000 in 2007, but as per the 2014 census, they are 18,000. He said it was difficult to know why the funds are decreasing when the population is increasing.

Morris Okolo, the Pallisa district advocacy officer for better health, said the Mbale area confederation of communities organised the community forums to allow people engage leaders on service delivery.

Okolo said the area of health, especially HIV/AIDS in Pallisa, was affected as most health centres experienced stock-outs of ARVs.

Dr Godfrey Mulekwa, the district health officer, said although there is general shortage of health workers in the district, the available few are doing their work effectively.