Government seeks 390bn for health services

As a way of improving the country’s ability to provide reproductive, maternal and child health services, the Ministry of Health has tabled before Parliament a proposal to borrow $110m (390bn) from the International Development Association, an arm of the World Bank.

Dr Jane Aceng, Minister for Health while appearing before the parliamentary committee on national economy, said the cash will improve utilisation of health essential facilities in target districts as well as upgrade birth and death registration services as well.

She added that the money will also focus on critical areas such as mitigating infant mortality rates and strengthening supervisory functions and building institutional capacity.

The committee was receptive to the proposals, it raised questions over some aspects of the loan. Some MPs wondered why the ministry was borrowing to facilitate training of health workers yet it was provided for in the health sector budget for 2015/16.The MPs also asked the minister to explain how she would deal with corruption once the money comes through.

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editor@independent.co.ug