Apac general hospital needs UGX5Bn for rehabilitation

Apac, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | More than Shillings 5 billion is needed to rehabilitate Apac hospital to handle the increasing number of patients visiting the facility. The 100-bed capacity hospital handles 900 inpatients on average each month.

The facility attends to patients from Apac and parts of the neighboring Kiryandongo, Kole, and Oyam districts. Established in 1968, the Apac hospital has not had any major renovation. Apparently, the hospital lacks a functional x-ray machine, and has a dilapidated general ward.

Addressing the health committee of parliament on Monday at the hospital, Apac District Health Officer, Dr. Leone Ocheng said that the facility is only able to accommodate 100 mothers despite the overwhelming number of expectant mothers visiting the facility each day.

He said that many of the mothers deliver on the floor due to inadequate bedding in the maternity ward. Dr. Ocheng said the hospital x-ray machine broke down three years ago. He said they lack a sterilizer in the theatre and ultrasound machine among other key requirements, which requires immediate government intervention.

Yoweri Ssebikaali, the chairperson of the health committee of parliament observed that Apac general hospital needs specialized personnel to handle special cases at the health facility. He pledged to follow up on the issue of the non-functional x-ray, sterilizers, and key issues affecting the smooth delivery of health services.

The legislators were shocked when they found a mother abandoned by midwives in the labor suit for alleged failure to pocket a bribe. Kenny Auma Lapat and Dr. Simon Opio Acuti, the Kwania woman member of parliament, and her Kole North counterpart asked the hospital administration to closely monitor the health workers.

Azabo Mahad Icassimu, the Apac Resident District Commissioner complained about cases of drug theft and extortion at the facility.

Tonny Jasper Odongo, the Apac LC V vice chairperson said they are hunting for funds to refurbish the hospital so as to improve service delivery to residents.

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