The facility lacks essential medicines such as anti-malarials, antibiotics, and medical supplies such as syringes, vaccines, gloves, catheters and gauze.
Kikuube Health Center IV
in Kikuube district is battling an acute drug shortage and medical supplies. The health center IV is currently acting as the district hospital.
The facility lacks
essential medicines such as antimalarials, antibiotics, and medical
supplies such as syringes, vaccines, gloves, catheters, and gauze, among others.
Dr. Gerald Asaba, in
charge of Buhaguzi health sub-district, says the drugs at the facility cannot
last three weeks after delivery from the national medical stores given the huge number of patients that flock to the facility.
"Can you imagine the drugs we received three weeks back are no more due to the overwhelming number of patients seeking medical attention at the facility!" he lamented. "Something must be done to help put this situation under control."
He says at times they are being compelled to send patients to buy drugs that are out of stock, from private pharmacies.
//Cue in: “As for drugs…//
Cue out:…come with pain.”//
According to Asaba, the
facility receives between 2,000 and 2,500 patients on a monthly basis which is
beyond its capacity. He wants the facility upgraded to the level of a general hospital
so that enough funding is allocated to it to allow its smooth operations.
//Cue out: “Kikube health
center IV…//
Cue out:…uplifted to
hospital.”//
Rose Kyalisiima, a resident
of Bugambe sub county explains that there is a need for government to allocate
more funding to Kikuube health center IV, adding that sometimes patients are
turned away over lack of drugs.
//Cue in: “Tuku bona bona…//
Cue out:…funa obuhereza
kurungi.”//
Carolyne Ahebwa, a resident
of Buhimba sub county says due to drug shortage, patients are forced to line up
for hours to receive drugs.
James Ayesiga, a resident
of Kizirafumbi sub county wants the facility upgraded to a general hospital to
effectively serve the ever-increasing population.
//Cue in: “Kyonka aroho bu…//
Cue out:…kebera gwe nsiri.”//
Vicent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LC5 Vice Chairperson says the health facility should be accorded special attention by the central government since it is offering services beyond its capacity.
