Masindi health workers deliver expectant mothers on torches
However, he assured residents that plans to budget for the facility’s electricity connection would be prioritized.
Masindi: Health workers at Kikungura Health Center II in Bwijanga Sub County, Masindi District, are forced to assist expectant mothers in delivering babies using torches at night due to the lack of electricity or a functional solar power system at the facility.
In an exclusive interview, Jovia Talemwa, the in-charge of Kikungura Health Center II, revealed that although an electricity pole stands within the facility’s compound, it has never been connected to power.
Talemwa further explained that while the health center has a solar system, it is non-functional. As a result, when emergency deliveries occur at night, health workers have no choice but to rely on torches for lighting.
The facility serves seven villages within Kitamba Parish, and occasionally, residents from Ntooma Parish also seek medical attention there. On average, the health center receives between 20 to 50 patients daily.
Although health workers have no option but to use torches for deliveries, they, through Village Health Team (VHT) members, advise expectant mothers to go to Bwijanga Health Center IV as soon as they begin experiencing labor pains.
James Mudede, the LC III chairman of Bwijanga Sub County, acknowledged the challenge but stated that the sub-county lacks the resources to connect electricity to public institutions.
However, he pledged to collaborate with the district leadership to ensure that Kikungura Health Center II gets power.
“We don’t have the resources to connect electricity to different institutions, but we pledge to work hand in hand with the district to have power connected to the health facility,” Mudede said.
Masindi District Chairman, Cosmas Byaruhanga, expressed regret over the poor working conditions faced by health workers at Kikungura Health Center II. However, he assured residents that plans to budget for the facility’s electricity connection would be prioritized.
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