The absence of a neurologist is causing significant challenges for Kabale Regional Referral Hospital’s services. A neurologist, a medical professional specialized in diagnosing and treating brain and nervous system disorders, is a critical component of a well-rounded healthcare team.
Despite the hospital receiving a CT scan machine from the Ministry of Health last year, the lack of a neurologist is leaving patients in need of specialized care at a disadvantage.
Patients seeking CT scan services at the hospital are required to pay fees ranging from 100,000 to 120,000 Shillings. However, those with head and brain complications are facing difficulties because the hospital lacks a neurologist who can interpret the results and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Bernard Musiime, a resident of Kavu parish in Maziba sub-county, Kabale District, shared his recent experience when his son was involved in an accident that resulted in head injuries. Musiime recounted how he rushed his son to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, where a CT scan was conducted to assess the extent of skull damage. However, he was taken aback when healthcare workers advised him to transport his son to Mbarara due to the unavailability of a neurologist on-site.
Dr. John Philbert Nyeko, the Director of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, acknowledged the adverse impact of the neurologist shortage on CT scan services. Dr. Nyeko explained that the absence of neurology specialists affects patients, particularly those involved in accidents who require immediate diagnoses to determine the necessity of surgical interventions.
Dr. Nyeko noted that, on average, 15 to 20 patients requiring CT scan services are attended to, but two of them are typically referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital or private healthcare facilities. This referral process causes inconvenience for patients and their families.
Efforts to address the neurologist shortage have been met with obstacles. Dr. Nyeko outlined several factors hindering their ability to recruit a neurologist, including financial constraints, inadequate staff accommodations, and reluctance among neurologists to work in Kabale.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of one neurologist for every 200,000 people. This guideline underscores the critical need for specialized neurology services to ensure timely and effective treatment for patients with brain and nervous system disorders.