Summary:
- According to Lawrence Niwabine, the LC1 Chairperson of the area, residents currently rely on facilities such as Kambuga General Hospital in Kanungu District, Hamurwa Health Centre IV in Rubanda District, and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in Kabale District.
RUKUNGIRI: Residents in Ruhonwa Cell, Katonya Parish, Nyakishenyi Sub-county in Rukungiri District, are struggling to access health services.
According to Lawrence Niwabine, the LC1 Chairperson of the area, residents currently rely on facilities such as Kambuga General Hospital in Kanungu District, Hamurwa Health Centre IV in Rubanda District, and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in Kabale District. Despite their area falling within Kanungu District boundaries, the nearest health facility, Katonya Health Centre II, lacks essential services such as maternity care.
Niwabine emphasized the urgent need for the government to upgrade Katonya Health Centre II due to the area’s increasing population. He pointed out that neighboring districts offer comprehensive healthcare services that their community currently lacks.
Jackline Turyahikayo, a resident, mentioned that low-income families struggle to afford transportation to distant health facilities. She noted that while a maternity ward was built at Katonya Health Centre II, the facility lacks midwives, leaving expectant mothers with few options. She added that they used to go to Kisiizi Hospital but can no longer afford it due to increased medical bills.
Ninsiima Pauson, chairperson of traders at Mundeba Center, echoed that transportation costs range from 50,000 to 60,000 UGX to reach health facilities.
CUE IN RESIDENTS…..ON THE ISSUE……RR//
Efforts to obtain comments from Dr. Akasiima Mucunguzi, the Rukungiri District Health Officer, were unsuccessful. However, Natukunda Alban, the Rukungiri District Health Educator, acknowledged the government’s phased plan to upgrade Health Centre II facilities nationwide to Health Centre III. He urged the community to be patient while assuring them of emergency transport services via the district ambulance for those in critical need.
CUE IN NATUKUNDA……ON THE MATTER…….RR//
