By Yusuf Obbo
The Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Health has raised concern over the poor conditions at Buwenge General Hospital in Jinja District after members discovered that the facility has no dedicated maternity ward and lacks adequate accommodation for health workers.
During their visit to the hospital, committee members were shocked to find expectant and new mothers seeking shelter in tents, corridors and under tree shades due to a shortage of space and beds.
According to the hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Wilson Mwanja, the facility has about 135 staff members and attends to approximately 2,000 patients every month, according to Outpatient Department (OPD) records.
Dr. Mwanja said the shortage of staff accommodation is affecting service delivery because many health workers live far from the hospital, making it difficult for some to report for duty on time, especially during emergencies.
He added that health workers who are on duty are forced to squeeze into a small room, creating a lack of privacy and an uncomfortable working environment.
Hospital management also told the committee that Buwenge General Hospital receives a high number of expectant mothers, many of whom are teenagers, yet the facility does not have adequate maternity space to accommodate them.
As a result, some mothers are forced to rest in tents, corridors and under tree shades while waiting for beds to become available.
Management further revealed that some mothers are discharged earlier than expected in order to create space for other patients in need of admission.
The Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Health, Hon. Hope Nakazibwe, promised that the committee would present the challenges identified at Buwenge General Hospital to the relevant authorities for action.
The committee is expected to make recommendations aimed at improving maternity services, staff accommodation and the general working conditions at the facility
