The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Masindi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kimengo Health center III in Masindi district is battling an acute drug shortage and medical supplies.
The health facility lacks essential medicines such as antimalarials, antibiotics, and medical supplies such as syringes, vaccines, gloves, catheters, and gauze, among others.
This is attributed to the overwhelming number of patients visiting the health facility seeking treatment.
Statistics at the facility indicate that between 100 to 200 patients visit the facility daily. The statistics further indicate that the facility serves more than 30,000 people in the entire sub county.
Charles Kumakech, in charge of Kimengo Health Center III, says the drugs at the facility cannot last three weeks after delivery by National Medical Stores. He urges the government to either increase on quantity of medicine and medical supplies in the facility or upgrade it to the level of Health Center IV.
He says as a result of the overwhelming population and lack of drugs, at times they are compelled to send patients to buy drugs from private pharmacies.
He says they have severally appealed to the government to intervene and put the situation under control in vain.
Bright Mugume, the Kimengo sub county LCIII Chairperson concurs with the medics at the facility saying the number of patients seeking treatment has more than doubled.
Richard Kayogoza, a resident of Karwara village says, they are at times forced to line up for drugs, which they don’t get.
Eriya Mwesigwa, the Kimengo sub county council speaker says only the elevation of the facility to Health Center IV will partly resolve the current crisis.
Rose Asinguza, another resident says, the majority of residents can’t afford services in private health facilities.
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