Lack of Equipment Hampers Emergency Services at Kumi Hospital

The lack of equipment is affecting the operations of Kumi Hospital Ongino.  The hospital lacks a general anaesthesia machine, operation lights, suction machine and operating tables.

Kumi Hospital Ongino was founded by Kumi Diocese and became operational in 1929 as a leprosy centre. In 2009, it was elevated to a general hospital.

Dr Lazarus Odwar, the Acting Hospital Superintendent says that the hospital is also facing several challenges including low revenue to facilitate the smooth running of the facility. He adds that most of the machines are old while others lack spare parts for repair. 

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Esther Akello, a resident of Bazaar Cell in Kumi Municipality, says that it is shocking to learn that the hospital which has been the backbone of health service delivery in the region is facing challenges. She says that the machines should be provided considering the high demand for them.

Stephen Olupot, another resident in Kumi Municipality says that it is a pity that the machines cannot be availed to help the people. He says that due to the absence of the equipment, many are referred to health facilities in Kampala which they cannot afford.

Olupot says that district leaders should intervene and ensure that the equipment is in place.

James Okweny, the Senior Hospital Administrator says that they are working hard to ensure that they redeem the image of the hospital. He notes that their major priority at the moment is to lobby for support from well-wishers. 

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Sr. Suzan Okwakol, the Assistant District Health Officer in Kumi says they are aware of the challenges facing the hospital but are constrained by limited resources. She, however, noted that the district will do everything including deploying government paid staff to the hospital to ensure its continued operations. 

On average, Kumi Hospital Ongino receives 3,900 patients at the Outpatients’ Department and over 800 in the in- patients’ department every month. Last year, the hospital recorded 1,669 deliveries and conducted 726 caesarean sections.