Kawempe National Maternal Hospital is reporting a remarkable decrease in avoidable maternal and neonatal deaths, thanks to crucial corporate support received from various companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The hospital, managing an average of 80 daily deliveries, including 30 Cesarean sections, has witnessed the positive impact of collaborative efforts with the private sector.
During the reception of essential utility commodities from Stanbic and its partners, Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga, the hospital’s executive director, emphasized the substantial reduction not only in avoidable maternal deaths but also in neonatal fatalities. Dr. Byaruhanga acknowledged the role of partnerships, stating that while the government provides most equipment and necessities, it alone cannot fully meet the hospital’s requirements due to budget constraints.
“Of course, the government provides most of the equipment and the requirements, but partners must also because the government alone doesn’t have enough money to meet all the hospital’s needs,” he explained.
With private sector contributions, expertise availability, and consistent medical supplies from the government, the hospital has experienced a drop in avoidable maternal deaths to fewer than five per month compared to previous figures.
Dr. Byaruhanga highlighted the need to alleviate hospital congestion by empowering health centers in the Kampala metropolitan area. The strategic move aims to manage preventable maternal and neonatal deaths at these centers instead of referring critical cases to Kawempe, where situations often exacerbate.
“Most importantly, Stanbic has donated several pieces of equipment, especially to the neonatal clinic, for which one of our primary goals is to decongest the hospital,” he stated.
Stanbic’s donations, particularly to the neonatal clinic, serve the primary goal of easing congestion by strengthening lower-tier health units. This strategic move aims to reduce pressure on Kawempe Hospital and enhance the quality of services offered.
Recognizing the impact of utility commodities support on hospital staff morale, Dr. Byaruhanga underscored its significance as a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated work. Ann Juuko, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, commended the hospital staff’s frontline efforts in ensuring safe motherhood and emphasized the private sector’s role in supplementing where the government faces limitations.
“It is the responsibility of the private sector, and the population to supplement where the government has failed because this is home we have nowhere else,” said Juuko.
Acknowledging Kawempe Hospital’s responsible utilization of donated equipment, Juuko highlighted the positive outcomes of the Ministry of Health’s supportive public-private partnership for the nation’s benefit.
Regarding decongesting Kawempe referral hospital, Juuko pledged continued support, ensuring lower-tier health centers are equipped to provide high-quality services akin to Kawempe’s standards.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that where we are sending them is as good as here, with the same equipment, and the same doctor, so the quality of service is not compromised,” Juuko affirmed.