Authorities call for elevation of Kiryandongo Hospital

Kiryandongo: Health authorities in Kiryandongo District have appealed to the government to elevate Kiryandongo General Hospital to a regional referral hospital, citing the increasing number of patients, including accident casualties and referrals from surrounding sub-regions.

The appeal was made during a visit by Dr. Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, who was in the district on Wednesday as part of the Wake Up Youth Mobilization Tour.

Sam Mutiti Tumwesige, the hospital administrator, stated that the hospital handles a high patient load that warrants a referral status.

“The hospital receives referrals from Bunyoro, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions. We have enough titled land for expansion, and elevation would bring in more resources and personnel,” he said.

Tumwesige also raised concerns about frequent power outages that affect service delivery. “Most of our machines depend on electricity, but power is unreliable. We have a generator, but it can’t support all machines. We need a stable power supply especially now that Karuma Dam is in our district,” he said.

He also called on the government to construct new buildings, noting that most hospital structures were built in the 1970s and are now dilapidated.

Roselyn Ayigi, the Principal Nursing Officer, highlighted the hospital’s strategic location along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, making it a key facility for treating accident victims.

“We are overwhelmed with emergency cases but lack proper equipment like an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Some patients die while being referred elsewhere,” she said.

Ayigi also revealed that the hospital is understaffed, with only 70 staff members, 13 of whom are currently on study leave, creating a significant human resource gap.

She believes that upgrading the facility would lead to better staffing, equipment, and ultimately, improved service delivery.

Dr. Ireen Nabitaka, the Acting District Health Officer (ADHO), emphasized the strain on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which receives about 20 newborns weekly. “We only have 11 incubators and two warmers. We need more space and equipment to handle the growing number of newborns, many of whom come from as far as Kikuube, Oyam, Nakasongola, Masindi, and Nwoya,” she explained.

Dr. Nabitaka appealed to the Ministry of Health to provide more neonatal equipment, including incubators and monitors, to cater to babies with complications such as breathing difficulties and congenital abnormalities.

District Chairperson Edith Aliguma also supported the elevation request, stressing that the hospital serves patients from across the country, particularly accident victims.

“We’ve made several appeals to the Health Ministry for the hospital to be upgraded to a highway referral hospital,” she said.

In response, Minister Dr. Balaam Barugahara acknowledged the issues raised and promised to relay them to the Ministry of Health and the President for possible intervention.

However, he also expressed concern about the hospital’s poor hygiene. “The environment is bushy and smelly. It’s unacceptable for a general hospital to pose a health risk to patients,” he said, tasking hospital authorities to immediately improve the facility’s cleanliness.

Roselyn Ayigi admitted that certain sections of the hospital, particularly the latrines, had sanitation issues. “Some patients relieve themselves outside. We are sensitizing the public to properly use the available toilets,” she noted.

Sam Mutiti Tumwesige, the hospital administrator acknowledged the sanitation challenge, explaining that the hospital outsources cleaning services, and delays in securing contractors sometimes affect hygiene. “However, the Chief Administrative Officer’s office is working to resolve the matter,” he added.

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