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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Residents of Walukuba-Masese division in Jinja municipality have raised five million shillings to purchase solar panels for the maternity wing at Walukuba Health Centre IV.
This follows the frequent power outages at the facility which has affected maternal health care.
Records at the health facility show that an average of 16 women who are registered for labor are referred to Jinja regional referral hospital due to lack of enough light to offer them proper maternal care.
Sarah Namanda, the chairperson of Walukuba development association who led the initiative says that many women are referred during wee hours of the night due to lack of power.
“As a community, we are dismayed due to the late-night referrals which have cost us the lives of our loved ones who at times develop complications while on their way to Jinja regional referral hospital. It is just right that we fundraise for funds to acquire solar panels which will solve this problem,” she says.
Jacquelyn Nambozo, a resident of Block A village says that the power outbreak has persisted at the facility for close to three years and health workers prefer attending to patients using torches and candles.
Ruth Nambala, the in-charge of the maternity ward says that the facility has failed to pay outstanding power arrears of 4 million shillings.
Nambala adds that midwives have been encountering a lot of risks in administering maternal health care.
Paul Mwiru, the Jinja East MP commends the residents for partnering with the local authorities in ensuring health service delivery within their community is improved.
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