Residents and health workers are calling for the elevation of Kabwoya Health Center III, located in Kabwoya sub-county in Kikuube district, to the status of a Health Center IV.
This demand stems from the facility’s struggle to cope with the high patient load, which averages between 100 to 150 patients daily, some of whom travel from as far as Kagadi and Kibaale districts.
The influx of patients has placed immense pressure on the facility’s limited resources, leading to a severe shortage of drugs and medical supplies. Essential medicines such as anti-malaria drugs, antibiotics, vaccines, and supplies like syringes, gloves, catheters, and gauze are in short supply.
The facility last received a consignment of drugs from the National Medical Stores (NMS) in June, but these supplies have not been sufficient to meet the ongoing demand.
Common conditions treated at the facility include pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, maternal complications, and typhoid. However, the limited resources have hindered effective service delivery, prompting local residents, health workers, and community leaders to push for the upgrade of the health center.
Leontina Kasungwa, a resident of Kabwoya trading center, urged the government to upgrade the facility to better serve the overwhelming number of patients seeking treatment. Herbert Turyatemba, the LC1 Chairperson for Nyangabi village, echoed this sentiment, noting that patients often wait in long lines for drugs that may not be available. He emphasized that upgrading the facility would ensure a more consistent supply of medications.
Fred Twinomujuni, a resident of Kimbugu parish in Kabwoya sub-county, also advocated for the upgrade, stating that the high patient volume has strained service delivery at the health center.
Grace Atuhairwe, a nurse at the facility, highlighted that the center is severely understaffed, with only 15 staff members out of the recommended 53. She appealed to the government to not only upgrade the facility but also to deploy more staff to handle the growing number of patients.