Biiso Health Centre IV crippled by staff shortages as mothers endure long waits for surgery
He also refuted claims that the facility charges patients for theatre services, insisting that such rumors are baseless.
Buliisa: Health services at Biiso Health Centre IV in Biiso Town Council, Buliisa District, are under severe strain due to a critical shortage of medical staff, leaving expectant mothers waiting for hours before receiving emergency surgery.
The facility’s in-charge, Dr. Jonan Alinaitwe, told UG Reports that the centre is currently operating with only one anesthetic officer and one theatre assistant, despite handling 4 to 6 caesarean operations daily.
Dr. Alinaitwe revealed that between September 5th and 12th, several mothers were forced to lie on operating tables for extended periods as doctors and midwives stood by, unable to proceed with surgery due to the absence of an anesthetist.
“In some instances, we were forced to refer patients to other facilities because our surgical team was incomplete,” he said, warning that unless more staff are urgently recruited, the lives of mothers and babies remain at serious risk.
He also refuted claims that the facility charges patients for theatre services, insisting that such rumors are baseless.
Harriet Atuhairwe, the District Health Secretary and councillor representing Kihungya Sub County, confirmed the staffing crisis and said the district is in the process of recruitment. However, progress has stalled due to delays in clearing the wage bill.
“We are aware of the gaps, and we are pushing for urgent recruitment. But we are still waiting for the Ministry of Public Service to clear the wage bill,” she explained.
Atuhairwe also cautioned health workers against absenteeism and negligence, noting that the district has received several complaints about poor service delivery in some health centres.
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