SIRONKO – Hon. Balaam has made an impromptu visit to Budabili Health Centre IV in Sironko District following complaints from residents over poor service delivery.
During the visit, residents and patients raised a string of serious issues affecting the facility.
Residents reported rampant stealing and selling of government drugs at the health centre. Patients also complained that doctors and health workers solicit money from them before treatment, including charging for injections and medicines that are supposed to be free.
Other issues raised include:
- Lack of needles and patients being charged for injectable medicines.
- Expectant mothers being charged money to buy Mama Kits.
- A serious problem with ward management where old patients are mixed with young patients, and ladies are mixed with gentlemen.
- The facility has no mortuary.
Residents also raised concerns over infrastructure and governance. It was established that the Health Centre Management Committee expired but is still operating. Hon. Balaam directed that a new committee be appointed immediately.
He also questioned accountability of funds, noting that between 50 to 100 million shillings is given per quarter to the facility and must be accounted for. He further noted that the generator at the facility does not work, yet government continues to pay for its maintenance.
On diagnostic services, it was found that the health centre has a scan machine but has no doctor to operate it. As a result, patients are charged money to hire a private doctor to operate the machine.
Hon. Balaam instructed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to ensure that a qualified doctor is recruited to operate the scan and to address the staffing gaps at the facility.
He assured residents that further investigations will be conducted and action will be taken against those found culpable of selling drugs and extorting money from patients.
