Dr Angelo Oceng, the In charge of Atiak Health Center IV told Uganda Radio Network over the weekend that the incidence has left the health facility in crisis with hundreds of patients likely to miss out on proper medical treatment.
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Health workers at Atiak Health Center IV assess a few items that were saved from the burning drug store on March 15 2025.
Leaders in Amuru District have issued an urgent appeal for emergency medical supplies following a devastating fire that gutted Atiak Health Center IV, leaving the facility without essential medicines. The fire, which broke out at around 2 a.m. on Saturday, destroyed the health facility’s main drug store, reducing large stocks of medicines and other critical medical supplies to ashes.
Dr Angelo Oceng, the In charge of
Atiak Health Center IV told Uganda Radio Network over the weekend that the
incidence has left the health facility in crisis with hundreds of patients likely
to miss out on proper medical treatment. Dr. Oceng noted that the health
facility had just received drugs and medical supplies delivered by National
Medical stores which were to be supplied to the various departments by today.
He
particularly said HIV patients who needed urgent refill of their medicines today
may be delayed due to lack of Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Oceng appealed to the district
leaders to push for an emergency supply of medicines to the health facility
from the Health Ministry to replenish the lost stocks. Michael Lakony, the Amuru
district LCV Chairperson said they made a resolution over the weekend to allow
the health facility borrow medicines internally from other lower health centers
to prevent a full scale health crisis.
“We are borrowing from other
health centers as an emergency to bail out especially clients that are
reporting today (Monday). These clients cannot leave without the drugs because
any laxity or delay will cost the lives of people,” said Lakony.
Lakony noted that the health
department is preparing its report for presentation to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of health for an emergency supply of drugs to the health center that
is expected to be submitted by close of Monday.
He however faulted some staff at
the Health facility over negligence to report earlier about challenges of short
circuit that was being experienced at the drug store. Dr Alfred Okello, the Amuru
District Health Officer said Monday his office had notified the Health Ministry
and the Office of the Prime Minister about the fire incident and also made requisition
for an emergency supply of medicines.
Over the weekend, security personnel
commenced investigation into the cause of the fire which is suspected to have
been as a result of short circuit following electricity fluctuation. At least three staff at the
Health facility have been detained at Atiak Police Station to aid the
investigation. The suspects include the Health facility’s watchman, the drug
store keeper and his supervisor.
Bureau Chief, West Acholi
