Authorities decry inadequate space, equipment in neonatal unit at Kagadi Hospital
also emphasized her role in strengthening neonatal care systems nationwide, pointing out that neonatal services have improved significantly since the program’s inception in 2000.
Kagadi: Medical personnel at Kagadi General Hospital have raised concerns over limited space and inadequate equipment in the neonatal unit, which continues to hinder the care of newborns with neonatal disorders.
During a recent visit by officials from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Francis Agaba, a neonatal specialist at the hospital, highlighted the dire situation.
He revealed that the hospital receives between 10 and 15 babies daily requiring neonatal care, yet the available space and equipment remain insufficient to meet the growing demand.
Dr. Agaba urged the government to upgrade Health Centre III facilities across the district to ease the pressure on the hospital’s neonatal unit. Additionally, he called upon district authorities to recruit more medical personnel to address critical staffing shortages.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Margret Nakaketo, a neonatologist and consultant with the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the shortage of equipment and manpower, noting that this issue extends beyond Kagadi to many health facilities nationwide.
She assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Health is actively working to address these challenges and is collaborating with the Commissioner for Nursing to prevent the transfer of trained neonatal care specialists, ensuring continuity in neonatal services.
She also emphasized her role in strengthening neonatal care systems nationwide, pointing out that neonatal services have improved significantly since the program’s inception in 2000.
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Baylor Uganda, Makerere University, St. Francis Nsambya Hospital, ADARA Uganda, and the MARK Centre of Excellence, is implementing a three-year program aimed at enhancing healthcare services for 120,000 small and sick newborns across 20 districts, including Kagadi.
The initiative, funded by ELMA Philanthropies under the Uganda Newborn Program, seeks to improve neonatal care infrastructure, equipment, and personnel training to ensure better health outcomes for newborns.
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