Michael Atingi-Ego, the Governor Bank of Uganda, explained that Ayago HC III was chosen because of its strategic location and potential to boost economic development.
The Bank of Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has handed over a fully equipped Outpatient Department (OPD) structure at Ayago HCIII in Lira
City. As part of their corporate social responsibility, the National Bank
constructed the new OPD. It renovated the old one which has been turned into
the ART clinic, and the maternity ward, equipping them all with state- of the
art medical equipment.
The
facility, located in Ayago ward, Lira City East Division, serves a population of
over 2,500 people with an average of 320 antenatal and around 150 postnatal
visits. The facility registers around 50 deliveries per month, although they
have a target of 30.
Speaking
during the handover ceremony, Michael Atingi-Ego, the Governor Bank of Uganda, explained that Ayago HC III was chosen because of its strategic location and potential
to boost economic development.
“For
the case of Ayago we understand that it was once a modest village along Lira
Kitgum Highway, but is now rapidly developing suburbs with growing investment
potential. Improved infrastructure and a vibrant community, which
to us makes it an ideal location for sustainable development interventions such
as this health center here.”
He
said that the project is aiming at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by
expanding access to antenatal and delivery services while easing the burden on the
referral hospital by strengthening primary care.
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Atingi-Ego
further explained that the intervention is a testament to their commitment to the
socio-economic transformation of Uganda. “Our interventions are guided by the
principles of value for money; transparency, and accountability," he said.
Adding
“The handover of this facility is not an isolated gesture. It is a broader
vision where macroeconomic stability fuels human development and the dividends
of growth are shared by all.” He
rallied the people of Ayago and beyond to own, protect, and use the facility responsibly,
urging the leadership of the city and the Minister of Health to ensure that this
facility is adequately staffed, resourced, and maintained for the benefit of future
generations.
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“To
the health professionals who will be serving here, you carry the trust of your
nation. Deliver care with diligence, compassion, and integrity. Let this be a
model facility where professionalism and humanity go hand in hand.”
Ayago
became the 13th health facility facelifted and expanded by the
central bank since 2016, when the Bank was commemorating 50 years of service in
the country. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, also Lira City Woman
Member of Parliament, applauded the Central Bank for supporting the ministry in
the fight against maternal mortality.
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Similarly,
Dr Bernard Otucu, the Lira City Health Officer, applauded Bank of Uganda for
their support and asked them to consider constructing a new maternity unit to
avoid congestion.
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Meanwhile,
Susan Kanyemibwa, the Bank of Uganda Secretary who also heads the corporate social
responsibility initiatives of the Bank, urged the city leadership to maintain
the facility.
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In
his response, Vincent Okurut, the Lira City town clerk pledged to recruit more
staff to work at the established health centres.
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Research
shows that preventable illnesses such as measles add to societal and household
costs, which underscore the urgent need to invest in health and to unlock the
region's human capital potential. Indicators such as the maternal mortality
ratio and the five-year mortality rates have declined over time, but still have an
impact on household incomes.
Under
the theme: “maternal and child health care for a healthy society,” the Bank
mobilized well-wishers and staff through what they termed as “Bank of Uganda at
50 charity work, a national call to action in support of health infrastructure”
to mobilize resources to fund initiatives such as construction and expansion of
health centres to address the challenge.
