Summary:
Chrispus Ngabirano, the head of the hospital’s microbiology section, attributed antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to self-medication and patients’ failure to complete prescribed antibiotic doses.
KABALE: Kabale Regional Referral Hospital is facing a growing challenge of antibiotic overuse and irrational use before proper laboratory testing.
This concern was highlighted by hospital authorities during a visit by Members of Parliament from the Parliamentary Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance (PF-AMR).
The MPs were inspecting microbiology labs in regional referral hospitals and animal health surveillance laboratories under District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) this week.
Chrispus Ngabirano, the head of the hospital’s microbiology section, attributed antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to self-medication and patients’ failure to complete prescribed antibiotic doses.
He emphasized the urgent need for increased public awareness and stronger regulatory measures to curb these practices.
Dr. Charles Ayume, Chairperson of PF-AMR, expressed satisfaction with the presence of Antimicrobial Stewardship, Medicine and Therapeutic, and Infection Prevention and Control committees in the hospital.
He also noted positive steps taken by some hospitals, such as developing antibiograms, AMR manuals, rationalizing antibiotic use, and offering continuous medical education on AMR.
Kabale Municipality MP, Dr. Nicholas Thadeus Kamara, stressed the need for the Ministry of Health and Parliament to fast-track amendments to the National Drug Authority (NDA) Act and enhance AMR initiatives in lower health centers.
He cited key challenges, including inadequate lab supplies, understaffing, a poorly regulated private sector, irrational prescription practices among health workers, budget cuts, and low public awareness of AMR.
Dr. Kamara further emphasized the need to integrate AMR clinical findings with the NDA to strengthen inspection efforts and blacklist certain drugs.
He called for greater AMR awareness among healthcare workers, private practitioners, and the wider community, as well as increased recruitment and budget support for laboratory capacity and supplies.
The MPs also visited other regional referral hospitals, including Mbarara and Masaka, along with animal health surveillance laboratories. Dr. Ayume stated that their findings will help shape policy changes regarding antibiotic use in the country.
