Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Phoebe Masongole,Olivier Mukaaya
Published on 2024-02-01 10:35:50
The lack of a standby generator at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital has severely impacted the provision of computed tomography (CT) scan services, causing significant delays and financial burdens on patients. The CT scan machine, installed by the Ministry of Health in December 2022, serves about 16 hospitals in the region. However, power blackouts have led to extended waiting periods for patients and increased costs for the services.
Patients at the hospital have reported waiting for several hours for power to come back on so that they can receive the CT scan services. This has resulted in frustration and concerns about the government’s allocation of resources, especially in comparison to the purchase of expensive cars for officials. Additionally, caretakers of patients at the hospital expressed the critical role CT scan results play in prescribing medications and planning surgeries, emphasizing the negative impact of power shortages on patient care.
Mr. Gerald Wekoye, a patient, highlighted the disparities in attention and care received by those who have paid for CT scan services versus those who have not. The high cost of the services has also added to the challenges faced by patients.
Local officials, including Mr. Hamza Wamono, emphasized the critical importance of having a standby generator at the hospital to ensure the continuous operation of essential medical equipment and the well-being of patients. They also stressed the need for public facilities like hospitals to provide services free of charge to the local community.
In response to the power supply issues, last November, the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development announced plans to provide Mbale hospital with a direct and independent power line from a new power substation at Mbale Industrial Park. This initiative is intended to address the unstable power supply and mitigate the challenges faced by the hospital.
Dr. Nelson Anguyo, the senior radiologist at Mbale hospital, highlighted the need for a standby generator and reliable internet access to operate effectively. He also expressed the hospital’s efforts to work with utility companies to ensure stable power supply.
Dr. Stephen Obbo, the director of Mbale hospital, explained the necessity of charging moderate fees for CT scan services to cover the high cost of maintaining the machine and purchasing consumables. This indicates the hospital’s financial constraints in maintaining and operating the CT scan machine.
In conclusion, the lack of a standby generator at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital has significantly impacted the provision of CT scan services, leading to delays, financial burdens on patients, and concerns about patient care. The hospital’s administration and local officials are advocating for solutions to address the power supply issues and ensure the uninterrupted operation of essential medical equipment for the well-being of patients.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
