Butiaba health centre III closed

Buliisa, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT | Butiaba Health Center III in Buliisa District has been closed leaving hundreds of patients stranded. 

Last year, the health centre was submerged following the rising water levels of Lake Albert.  The staff quarters, maternity, male and female wards, store, Outpatient Department-OPD and roads leading to facilities were all submerged.  

District authorities were forced to temporarily move the facility to Butiaba Primary School. 

The health centre receives 200 patients a day on average including those from the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC. 

However following the resumption of classes by semi candidates, medical workers at the health centre found it hard to continue operating at the school.           

Dr Nelson Naisye, the Buliisa District Health officer says that after failing to secure a place where the patients can be treated from, they have decided to close the health centre until a new space is secured. 

Moses Kaahwa, in charge of the health centre, says they were left without any option but to suspend operations until the district gets them another place.  According to Kaaahwa, they have told residents to access treatment at Biiso health Centre IV which is about 20km away from Butiaba landing site.

Gilbert Tibeijuka, a resident of Boma cell Butiaba town council accused the district authority of refusing the address the matter with the urgency it deserves.

Musa Awera the Butiaba town council Mayor-Elect appealed to the government to intervene.  

Rose Tumusiime also a resident says that expectant mothers in the area will struggle to access services and will force many of them to resort to the services of traditional birth attendants- TBAs, putting their lives at risk. 

Jane Atuhairwe, another resident says that people living with HIV will also be affected by the closure of the health centre.

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