Masindi district council approves establishment of private wing at general hospital
Additionally, Shs10 million has already been secured for the project, and an assessment has been completed.
Masindi: The Masindi District Council has passed a resolution to establish a private wing at Masindi General Hospital, a move aimed at improving health service delivery in the district.
The motion was tabled by Goodman B. Faruk, Chairperson of the Social Services Committee, during a district council meeting chaired by Deputy Speaker Godfrey Wobugabe, held at the district chambers.
While presenting the motion, Faruk highlighted that the committee conducted a benchmarking tour at Kiryandongo General Hospital, where they studied: how the private wing was established and its administrative structure, the management and recruitment of relevant human resources.
Others include; the services offered and their impact on the community, financial sustainability, resource mobilization, and budgeting mechanisms and challenges faced and how they were addressed to ensure smooth operation.
During the visit, the committee observed that the private wing in Kiryandongo had created employment opportunities, and the recruitment of staff was conducted through the District Service Commission (DSC). Additionally, drug procurement followed government procedures, with oversight from auditors and security personnel.
Faruk emphasized the importance of financial transparency, stating that both internal and external auditors must oversee the accounts of the private wing.
He also proposed the establishment of a Private Wing Committee, which will include; a board member with a financial background, two heads of department and the hospital accountant.
“People should be able to see a difference in the quality of care,” Faruk noted, underscoring the need for high service standards.
Following an inspection of Masindi General Hospital, the committee identified 19 rooms that will be designated for the private wing, including; 4 self-contained rooms at Serena Ward, 7 rooms in the Pediatric Ward, 2 rooms in the Maternity Ward and 6 rooms at a previously gazetted private wing space, formerly occupied by TASO Masindi.
Simon Byaruhanga, the District Male Youth Councillor, welcomed the motion, emphasizing that while the private wing will enhance service delivery, healthcare workers must continue supporting the needy.
Robina Katusiime, the District Female Councillor representing PWDs, echoed similar sentiments, cautioning service providers against prioritizing profits over serving the community.
In an exclusive interview with ugreports.co.ug, Faruk revealed that the government policy requires every general hospital to have a private wing. He added that the facility will handle cases at the referral level, ensuring better healthcare access.
Additionally, Shs10 million has already been secured for the project, and an assessment has been completed. Faruk disclosed that operations are expected to begin by the end of next week.
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