Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-10 10:15:22
Patients seeking health services at Kilembe Mines Hospital in Kasese District are facing a difficult situation as the government has decided to withdraw all medical supplies and funding in 2022. This decision has left the hospital in a state of crisis, with limited resources and staff to provide essential healthcare services to the community.
The government’s decision to withdraw support for Kilembe Mines Hospital also resulted in the transfer of some staff, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the facility. The hospital has been repeatedly devastated by floods from River Nyamwamba over the years, leading the government to reevaluate its investment in a facility prone to natural disasters.
Dr. Bernard Balyana, the medical superintendent of Kilembe Mines Hospital, expressed deep concerns about the impact of the government’s decision on the hospital’s operations. With only a handful of staff remaining, the facility now heavily relies on user fees collected from locals to sustain its operations. Dr. Balyana highlighted that the hospital previously had 82 staff members, but now only has 14 remaining, including two doctors, two midwives, and other essential healthcare providers.
Local leaders, such as Mr. Richard Bomera, have raised questions about the Ministry of Health’s failure to reinstate support for the hospital despite recommendations from Parliament. Mr. Bomera emphasized the importance of Parliament’s recommendations, including staff retention, reactivation of the drug credit line, and the construction of new premises for the hospital. He questioned whether the government’s actions displayed contempt for Parliament’s decisions.
Mr. Zedekia Kambasu Kayiiri, the deputy town clerk of Kasese Municipal Council, revealed that the government had de-gazetted Kilembe Mines Hospital as a cost center, signaling its reluctance to provide financial support for the facility. As a result, staff were transferred to other cost centers where they could receive salary payments. This move was part of a public service reform initiative that only pays staff at designated cost centers.
Previously, Kilembe Mines Hospital relied on the Essential Medicines and Health Supplies (EMHS) credit line from Joint Medical Stores to meet its healthcare needs. However, on December 2, 2022, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health directed the deactivation of the credit line for the hospital, further straining its resources.
Local leaders have urged Parliament to intervene and compel the government to reinstate support for Kilembe Mines Hospital due to its crucial role in providing healthcare services to a significant population. The hospital’s closure would have far-reaching consequences for the community, leaving many patients without access to essential medical care.
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