KIKUUBE: Kikuube Health Center IV which is currently acting as the district hospital is battling an acute shortage of drugs and medical supplies.
The facility lacks essential medicines such as antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and medical supplies such as syringes, vaccines, gloves, catheters, and gauze, among others.
Dr. Gerald Asaba, in charge of Buhaguzi health sub-district, said the drugs at the facility cannot last three weeks after delivery from the national medical stores given the huge number of patients that flock the facility.
“Can you imagine the drugs we received three weeks back are no more due to the overwhelming number of patients seeking medical attention at the facility!” he lamented. “Something must be done to help put this situation under control.”
He said that at times, they are being compelled to send patients to buy drugs that are out of stock, from private pharmacies.
According to Asaba, the facility receives between 2,000 and 2,500 patients on a monthly basis which is beyond its capacity. He wants the facility upgraded to the level of a general hospital so that enough funding is allocated to it to allow smooth operations.
Rose Kyalisiima, a resident of Bugambe sub county explained that there is need for government to allocate more funding to Kikuube health center IV, adding that sometimes patients are turned away over lack of drugs.
Carolyne Ahebwa, a resident of Buhimba sub county said that due to drug shortage, patients are forced to line up for hours to receive drugs.
James Ayesiga, a resident of Kizirafumbi sub county wants the facility upgraded to a general hospital to effectively serve the ever-increasing population.
Vicent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LC5 Vice Chairperson said the health facility should be accorded special attention by the central government since it is offering services beyond its capacity.