Public hospitals in Butaleja, Buikwe, and Jinja have called on the government to significantly increase the quantity of drugs supplied to them by at least 50%, alongside addressing staffing shortages, to enhance patient satisfaction and healthcare delivery.
The request was voiced by health facility management and district officials in the aforementioned regions, which have recently benefited from government-funded renovation and expansion projects totaling Shs32 billion, supported by development partners.
Dr. Joshua Kiberu, the medical superintendent at Kawolo Hospital in Buikwe, highlighted the inadequate allocation for drugs, noting that the current budget of Shs92 million per cycle falls short of meeting the hospital’s needs. Delays in drug delivery further exacerbate the challenge, hindering access to healthcare, particularly emergency services.
Dr. Richard Bbosa, the District Health Officer of Buikwe, emphasized the need for a 50% increase in the quantity of drugs supplied by the National Medical Stores, citing the inadequacy of the current supply to meet demand.
Kawolo Hospital, situated along the Kampala-Jinja highway, serves as a crucial facility for managing road accident cases and accommodates patients from neighboring districts such as Mukono and Buvuma. Despite its role, the hospital faces challenges in meeting the healthcare needs of the population due to limited drug supplies.
The renovation of Kawolo Hospital, part of a Shs3 billion project aimed at improving staff accommodation, was recently completed, with 11 blocks commissioned to house critical staff. Ms. Margaret Muhanga, the State Minister for Primary Health Care, officiated the commissioning ceremony, signaling a positive step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Kiberu commended the government for the renovation initiative, expressing optimism that it would motivate staff and enhance service delivery. However, he emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues such as drug supply, staffing, and operational budget to further improve healthcare provision.
The drug supply challenges are not unique to Kawolo Hospital; similar issues are experienced in other facilities across the region. Geoffrey Mutiwa, the Member of Parliament for Bunyole West, highlighted the struggles faced by patients in accessing drugs in facilities in Butaleja, underscoring the urgency of addressing the broader healthcare supply chain issues.
