Breaking

Aduku Health Center IV Launches Modern Mortuary to Enhance Service Delivery

Top story
Dorcus Wakelo, the Senior Nursing Officer and Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) in charge of Maternal and Child Health at Aduku Health Center IV, said the mortuary can accommodate 8 to 12 corpses daily. However, she highlighted gaps in staffing at the facility and called for additional support.
21 Jan 2025 07:31
Kwania district officials inspecting the newly constructed mortuary at Aduku Health Center IV (Photo by Solomon Okabo)

Audio 4

Aduku Health Center IV, a government health facility in Kwania District, has unveiled a modern mortuary aimed at improving service delivery and addressing longstanding challenges. The mortuary, valued at 364 million shillings, was constructed by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade with funding from the Primary Health Care (PHC) program. 

It is equipped with a refrigeration unit and a solar system to ensure operations during power outages. The new facility will eliminate the need to share hospital wards with deceased patients, a practice that has caused significant discomfort for both medical staff and the families of deceased persons.

Dorcus Wakelo, the Senior Nursing Officer and Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) in charge of Maternal and Child Health at Aduku Health Center IV, said the mortuary can accommodate 8 to 12 corpses daily. However, she highlighted gaps in staffing at the facility and called for additional support.

English Audio 

//Cue in: "Who is going...

Cue out: "...need technical support."//

Dorcus Wangari, Aduku Town Council LC V Female Councilor and Secretary for Production, Marketing, and Natural Resources, described the facility as a timely intervention. She noted that the mortuary will spare patients from sharing wards with dead bodies, ensuring a dignified environment for both patients and their families.

English Audio 

//Cue in: "We used to...

Cue out: "...their own ward."//

Residents expressed their excitement about the development. Anna Obura, a resident of Amia A in Aboko Parish, Aduku Sub County, said the new mortuary will save families from the burden of hiring vehicles to transport bodies to Apac General Hospital.

Luo Audio 

//Cue in: "Peko awan obedo...

Cue out: "...Aduku ifridge kan."//

Aron Obwota, the Managing Director of Last Home Coffin Makers in Aduku, also welcomed the facility, noting that it will reduce the logistical challenges of transporting bodies to Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Apac General Hospital mortuaries. He believes the mortuary’s proximity will also boost local businesses like his.

Luo Audio 

//Cue in: "Peki apol ajo...

Cue out: "...cente icing waa."//

In addition to the mortuary, Aduku Health Center IV has also received a newly constructed pediatric ward worth 168 million shillings. The ward, also built by the UPDF Engineering Brigade with PHC funding, was officially handed over to the hospital on Monday.

Aduku Health Center IV, which serves patients from Kwania and neighboring districts such as Kole, Apac, and Dokolo, receives over 900 patients monthly, according to reports from the Outpatient Department (OPD).