By Steven Enatu
After three months of temporary closure, Teso Safe Motherhood has reopened its doors, bringing relief and joy to expected mothers in Soroti city and district. The facility, known for its trusted clinic and birth center catering to marginalized populations, had faced funding challenges, leading to its closure in September last year.
City authorities acknowledged that the closure had placed a burden on other health facilities, creating challenges in providing adequate services. However, the reopening of Teso Safe Motherhood has brought renewed hope to the community.
As early as 8 am, a stream of patients and expectant mothers flocked to the facility, eager to access healthcare services on the reopening day.
Jenifer Apio from Otatai expressed her frustration during the closure, stating that accessing good maternal health services became challenging. The alternative facilities, like Soroti Regional Hospital, often faced overcrowding, leaving some unattended.
Miriam Alyeto, a 25-year-old mother, highlighted the facility’s hygiene standards and the compassionate care provided by midwives, factors that set Teso Safe Motherhood apart from other crowded and less hygienic alternatives.
Matha Agudo from Otatai ward in Soroti city East emphasized the prompt treatment and respectful attitude of the medical workers at Teso Safe Motherhood, noting the challenges faced in larger facilities.
Charles Omoding, accompanying his wife for maternal services, praised the facility for its prompt attention and lack of segregation, highlighting the impact of the closure on effective maternal services.
Rebecca Amero, a 23-year-old expected mother from Kamuda, commended the loving care, thorough health checks, and comprehensive services offered at Teso Safe Motherhood.
Established in 2005, Teso Safe Motherhood has been a consistent provider of medical excellence, kindness, and compassion to the local population. The facility faced internal disagreements in September 2023, leading to its temporary closure, according to Martin Oteger, the chief executive officer.
Oteger dismissed allegations of mismanagement of funding, attributing the withdrawal of funding to individuals with self-centered interests.
Retired Dr. Nicholas Okwana, the board chairman, revealed that the Aids Information Center is a partner ensuring the resumption of laboratory services, Arts clinic, maternal health, and family planning services.
“We are hopeful that in the next three months, we shall be operating in full capacity,” he noted.
James Obore, the Deputy City Clerk Soroti, emphasized the impact of the facility’s closure on other health facilities, pledging continued supervision and coordination with partners to ensure community health.
James Small Chemutai, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner Soroti city west, stressed the facility’s relevance to the local population and challenged the management to explore sustainable options beyond external donations.
While Uganda aims to have health facilities within a 5km distance at 100% by 2025, challenges persist, as testified by patients who faced obstacles in accessing effective services. The remote locations of many communities, coupled with poverty and limited resources, contribute to significant healthcare challenges in Uganda, particularly for expectant mothers.
According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey, improvements have been seen, with reductions in Maternal Mortality Ratio and infant mortality. However, challenges persist, emphasizing the need for accessible and effective healthcare solutions for all.