The government has allocated Shillings 6.5billion for the elevation of Muko Health Centre IV in Rubanda District to a General Hospital in the next financial year, the State Minister for General Duties in the Finance Ministry, Henry Musasizi Ariganyira has revealed.
Musasizi, who is also the Rubanda County East Legislator, explains that the Government has finalized plans to elevate Muko HC IV following a resolution by the district. Rubanda district proposed the upgrade of the health facility based on its geographical location, challenges and the number of people seeking services annually.
He also explained that the project is also part of the NRM Manifesto where the government plans to have at least a health centre IV in every constituency and HC III in every sub-county across the country.
According to Musasizi, the Shillings 6.5 billion would be used to reinforce the Human resource Recruitment budget while the balance would go to the expansion of the facility pending the release of more money.
Dr. Godfrey Bampabwiire, the In-Charge of Muko HC IV told our reporter that one of their biggest challenges is the absence of staff quarters, which affects service delivery since some stay as far as 5kilometers away.
He also explained that the maternity ward is too small to accommodate the overwhelming number of expectant mothers admitted to the facility every month.
Rubanda District LC 5 Chairperson, Ampaier Stephen Kasyaba also revealed that his council has earmarked around Shillings 100 million for the expansion of the maternity ward this financial year and another Shillings 30 million for the procurement of beds for the ward.
Rubanda District Health Officer- DHO, Abdon Birungyi, says that Muko HC IV serves over 100,000 people from Rubanda West and the surrounding areas.
Despite its limited capacity with only 8 beds in the maternity ward, Muko Health Centre handles over 100 expectant mothers per month with at least six caesarean sections weekly.
Muko HC IV is one of the two biggest facilities in the District, the other being Hamurwa Health Centre IV in Rubanda East.
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