Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) management has expressed the need for increased funding from the government. They believe that the current annual allocation of Shillings 1.2 billion for medical supplies and drugs is insufficient.
The management is requesting the government to triple the support to at least Shillings 3.6 billion annually to meet the demands of over 10,000 patients received each year.
During a visit to the health facility, Gulu City Woman Member of Parliament, Betty Aol Ocan, was informed about the challenges faced by the hospital.
These include a severe shortage of staff, a lack of utilities, and inadequate staff housing. Dr. Peter Mukobi, the Director of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital said that they have no senior consultants out of the required twelve, only one consultant out of the required four, no radiologist, and no medical officer and consultant at the mental health unit.
Additionally, he said Gulu Regional Referral Hospital is grappling with chronic stock-outs of essential drugs and medical equipment, as well as an underutilized CT-scan machine. As a result, patients requiring specialized care and equipment are often referred to other health facilities.
Betty Aol Ocan acknowledged the concerns raised by the hospital administration, which align with the complaints from the public, including a lack of drugs, staff arrogance, insufficient medical supplies, and unprofessional behavior.
She pledged to address these challenges by engaging the relevant authorities, including Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, the State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, and Beatrice Akello, the Minister for Economic Monitoring.
The Gulu Regional Referral Hospital’s management has also communicated these concerns to the aforementioned government officials in their quest for improved support and resources.