Lira hospital struggles to keep pace with growing patient numbers

LIRA, Uganda — More than 1,000 patients pass through the outpatient department at Lira Regional Referral Hospital each day, overwhelming the facility’s infrastructure and prompting renewed calls for a new ward complex and expanded specialized services. The pressure is particularly acute in the maternity ward, where limited space has forced the hospital to extend some…

Poor counselling on contraceptive side effects undermines uptake in Uganda

Gaps in counselling on contraceptive side effects are contributing to low uptake and discontinuation of modern family planning methods in Uganda, according to a Ministry of Health assessment of family planning services. The competency assessment found that many women stop using contraceptives after experiencing side effects without seeking medical advice, even though many reactions can…

Amuria residents demand probe into alleged hospital negligence

Residents in Amuria District are calling for an independent investigation into alleged delays, payment demands and equipment failures at Amuria General Hospital, saying the problems may have contributed to preventable deaths. The residents accuse hospital staff of failing to respond promptly to patients requiring emergency and surgical care. They also allege that some patients are…

Kawooya Tells Balaam To Probe Stalled UGX6Bn Gulu Hospital Staff Quarters Construction

The State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, Anifa Kawooya, has urged Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara to focus his anti-corruption campaign on major scandals affecting public services and taxpayers’ money. Kawooya said while Balaam’s campaign against corruption was “awakening” the public, he should direct more attention to cases where communities are suffering,…

WHO defends Uganda’s early declaration ending Ebola outbreak

The World Health Organization on Tuesday defended Uganda’s decision to declare its Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak over before completing the conventional 42-day waiting period, saying the country’s response should be judged by its success in stopping transmission rather than by strict adherence to timelines. Uganda discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient from the National Isolation and…