Clare
After over 42 years of dedicated service, Kyakatara Health Center III is now positioned for an upgrade to Health Center IV status, following the recent operational improvements.
Residents of Kyakatara in Kyenjojo District can now access enhanced healthcare services, particularly expectant mothers, following the commissioning of a new private ward valued at UGX 87 million and a fully equipped surgical theater worth UGX 221 million yesterday at the health facility premises.
During the commissioning ceremony, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese expressed his appreciation to Miss Naomi Corera for securing funding from the U.S.based organization Children Waiting Everywhere, which facilitated the construction and equipping of these new facilities. The health center, originally established by Fr. Peter Cornelius during challenging times, continues to thrive from such generous support.
Mr. Julius Kusemererwa, the In-Charge Kyakatara Health Center III, acknowledged the vital role played by the founders and numerous contributors, including Fr. George Ahairwe and donors mobilized through Miss Naomi. He however, raised concerns about the ongoing challenges of limited staffing and inconsistent government funding.
Increased number of Safe Deliveries
Mr. Joseph Basaliza, Chairperson of HUMC, noted that from April to May, the facility successfully handled 504 safe deliveries, made possible by Children Waiting Everywhere, which covers the cost of childbirth for all mothers. He echoed calls for increased staffing to meet the growing demand.
Representing the District Health Officer, Mr. Paul, the Kyenjojo District Environment Officer, highlighted persistent health threats including malaria, traffic accidents, pneumonia, and malnutrition. He also stressed the urgent need for blood transfusion services to manage emergency cases and encouraged residents to make full use of the upgraded theater to ease congestion at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, State Minister for ICT and representative of Hon. Margaret Muhanga, State Minister for Primary Healthcare, praised the Catholic church for addressing both spiritual and physical needs through the establishment of Kyakatara Health Center III. He noted that Minister Muhanga plans a personal visit to the facility to assess how the government can further support its operations. Hon. Kabyanga pledged to present the facility’s concerns to the Minister and urged residents to fully utilize the services now available.
Miss Naomi Corera, who lobbied the funds for the developments, extended her gratitude to Children Waiting Everywhere for their generosity and commitment to humanity. She also requested Bishop Muhiirwa to personally convey appreciation to the organization during his upcoming visit to the United States in June.
