The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Buliisa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The reopening of Butiaba health center III in Buliisa district hangs in balance.
Last year, the facility was closed and relocated to Butiaba primary school after failing to secure a better place where patients can be treated. This is after it was submerged following the rising water levels of Lake Albert.
The floods submerged the staff quarters, maternity, male and female wards, store and the Outpatient Department – OPD among other facilities. Also submerged were roads leading to the health facility making it difficult for patients to access.
The health centre receives 200 patients a day on average including some who come from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, following the resumption of classes by semi candidates, medical workers at the health centre found it hard to continue operating at the school yet its former premises are still submerged.
They were compelled to close the facility because they lacked space to accommodate staff and patients.
Last week, authorities in the district said all efforts were being made to ensure that the health facility resumes operation this week but in vain.
Dr Nelson Naisye, the District Health Officer-DHO Buliisa says that their efforts to have the facility reopened this week have hit a snag since they have still failed to secure a place to accommodate both staff and patients.
Longino Bahebwa, the Resident District Commissioner Buliisa says the district is now approaching Non-governmental organizations-NGOs to intervene since it is currently out of hand.
Fred Aliguma, a resident of Butiaba landing site has blamed the government for delaying to sort out the issue yet the health facility is of paramount than any other government institutions in the area.
Last week, residents of Butiaba sub-county in Buliisa district protested the closure of Butiaba health center III that they say has hampered health services in the area.
They demanded the immediate reopening of the facility saying many patients suffering from various sicknesses are undergoing untold suffering as a result of the closure of the health facility.
Residents say they are left with no option but to seek treatment at Biiso health centre IV, which is about 20km away yet most people cannot afford to move to the facility on foot.
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