KABALE – The absence of an ultrasound scan machine at Kamuganguzi Health Centre 3 in Kamuganguzi Sub County, Ndorwa West County, Kabale District, has imposed significant challenges on expectant mothers, compelling them to undertake arduous journeys to access the necessary services.
Janet Twesigomwe, the health centers in-charge, has noted that the facility caters to more than 200 expectant mothers each month who come seeking antenatal services. Twesigomwe highlighted that these mothers are forced to travel a considerable distance of approximately 22 kilometers to Kabale town in order to obtain scan services. The resulting inconveniences contribute to delays and hardships for pregnant women in their pursuit of essential medical care.
CUE IN TWESIGOMWE…ON SCAN…..RR/ENG//
Elvis Nzeirwe, the mayor of Katuna Town Council, emphasized that the impact of the health facility’s predicament extended beyond the confines of Katuna, as it also served mothers from neighboring Rwanda. He stressed that the absence of an ultrasound scan machine had been a considerable impediment for the facility, affecting the quality and efficiency of maternal care.
CUE IN NZEIRWE….ON ULTRASOUND SCAN…..RR//
Dr. Paddy Mwesigye, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health, acknowledged the progress made by the district in increasing the rate of facility-based deliveries to 85%. However, he expressed concern over the remaining percentage of mothers who continued to deliver at home. Mwesigye adds that subset of home deliveries posed a significant risk to the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.
CUE IN MWESIGYE….ON THE MATTER….RR/ENG//
In a concerted effort to address the prevalent obstacles facing maternal and child care at the health facility, the Rotary Club of Kampala South, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Taipei in Taiwan, stepped forward with a substantial contribution. They donated essential medical equipment valued at 100 million Ugandan Shillings and launched a comprehensive three-year Maternal and Child Health project at the center.
Ritah Tinka, the President of the Rotary Club of Kampala South, highlighted the significance of the donation. She emphasized that the newly acquired medical equipment would enable the facility to collect vital data for monitoring expectant mothers, tracking the progress of their antenatal checkups, and providing them with the necessary support.
CUE IN TINKA….ON EQUIPMENTS…..ENG//
The donated items encompass a range of essential medical tools, including a portable ultrasound scanner, complemented by a meticulously designed follow-up supervision program. Additionally, the donation encompasses two Professional Delivery Beds, an arm-type blood pressure monitor, and weighing scales, among other vital resources. This initiative is poised to alleviate the challenges faced by expectant mothers, enhancing the quality and accessibility of maternal and child health services in the region.
