KATAKWI: The Vice president and Woman MP for Katakwi district Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has reassured Ugandans of the government’s commitment in ensuring that people access high quality healthcare services in the country.
“The government is committed to complying with its policy of at least having a health centre IV and III per constituency and sub-county, respectively,” Alupo said.
Early this year, government released sh13.39b for upgrading of health centre IIIs to health centre IVs and renovating existing ones in the financial year 2023/24.
She made the remarks while handing over medical equipment donated by Stanbic Bank to Katakwi district General Hospital.
The assortment included; baby warmers, baby incubators, ordinary beds, delivery beds, mama kits and health monitors valued at sh30m.
The vice president emphasized that a healthy population is so productive in building the county’s the economic base adding that the medical items donated by Stanbic bank will enhance health service delivery in the district.
She appealed to the hospital management to ensure that the medical equipment is put to proper use and periodically maintained.
The vice president encouraged the local community to practice preventive health measures as opposed to curative care.
“Proper nutrition is paramount as it builds the body’s immunity to fight diseases. You should observe balanced diet,”.
Alupo applauded Stanbic bank for being responsible partners by helping government to fill the gaps in health service delivery.
Usuk County MP Bosco Okiror lauded the bank saying the donation of medical equipment has come to put an end to referrals.
“The gesture by Stanbic bank not only makes the banking institution popular but also is a true friend of the local community and the government,” Okiror said.
Dr. Joseph Emuron the medical superintendent of Katakwi district general hospital says they are committed as a hospital to ensure that people are healthy and thanked Stanbic bank for the donation saying it will away in saving mothers and their babies.
He said Katakwi hospital started as a dispensary in 1956 before upgrading it to a health centre 4 in 2011 and in 2013 the government saw it prudent to upgrade it to hospital status.
Currently the health facility receives about 4500 Out patients every month, 250-mothers and 400 patients are admitted in the maternity ward with different health complications.
Emuron stressed that the coming of this equipment will help handle cases- of pre- mature babies. “Referral cases of premature babies are going to reduce as the baby warmers and incubators are now in place,” Emuron said.
He however told the vice president that the hospital is under staffed with only three doctors running the hospital yet he has to handle administrative duties as well.
Diana Ondoga, the Manager Corporate social Investments at Stanbic bank said a total of 45-health facilities countrywide, have benefited from the bank’s support as they do their best to give back to the community.
She said the maternal health programme of the bank has helped in reducing maternal death by ensuring that mothers give birth in health facilities.
She revealed that the bank targets to train small and medium entrepreneurs to help drive the growth of the country’s economy.
