Clare Nayebare
Political leaders in Kitagwenda District have been urged to advocate for the upgrading of Kicwamba Health Center III to a Health Center IV.
The appeal was made yesterday by Dr. Irene Kahiimakazi, the Acting District Health Officer (DHO) of Kitagwenda, during the commissioning of an Ultrasound Scanner worth 24 million shillings at the facility.
Kicwamba’s Eligibility
Dr. Kahiimakazi, who has been a key figure in the establishment and development of Kicwamba Health Center III, highlighted the facility’s significant impact on the health of the local population noting that given the progress made so far, the time is ripe for political leaders to push for its elevation to a Health Center IV.
She further pointed out that the health center serves a large catchment area with a population of over 13,000 people along with 52 smaller health centers represented by Village Health Team members and a qualified staff, which makes it eligible for an upgrade to Health Center IV. This She said, will align it with the standards of other large Catholic-founded hospitals, such as Virika Hospital, Kagongo Hospital that provide a full range of operational services.
Continued Customer Care
Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, who officiated at the ultrasound scanner commissioning, praised the Diocesan Health Coordinator, the staff of Kicwamba Health Center, and HUMC for their dedicated efforts in making the facility the top-ranked health center in Kitagwenda District.
He encouraged continued collaboration among the staff, urging them to maintain their focus on patient care, which will not only strengthen trust with the community but also improve the overall quality of healthcare, ultimately saving lives.
Bishop Muhiirwa, a prostate cancer survivor, also urged residents to follow the advice of healthcare workers and prioritize regular check-ups to prevent diseases such as cancer.
More Financial Support required
The Facility In-Charge and Medical Clinical Officer, Irene Kembabazi Akiiki, expressed gratitude to the bishop for his encouraging visit and advice. She also revealed that the Ultrasound Scanner acquired Yesterday , still carries an outstanding debt, having been acquired with the help of Fr. Jude Kasaija, the Diocesan Health Coordinator, and Joint Medical Stores.
Kembabazi also highlighted some of the ongoing challenges facing the facility, including a lack of a perimeter wall, which poses security risks, and insufficient infrastructure despite the available land. She appealed to well-wishers for financial support to help elevate the facility to the next level of service provision.