Katakwi– As the NRM Government continues to prioritize health services in the country, Vice President Jessica Alupo-who is also woman MP Katakwi district has handed over 60 hospital beds to Katakwi district.
The Vice President described this intervention as part of Government initiatives to continously facilitate and improve the health sector.
Speaking at the brief function held at the district headquarters, Alupo thanked the district leaders for accepting to host the ceremony that speaks to the heart of the people. “Health is a very strong component of society and for you to host this ceremony abruptly is significant”, she said.
Alupo said that the officials from Ministry of health led by the Minister-Ruth Aceng are expected in the district to make a critical assessment and analysis of the health gaps in all health centre 3s, health centre 4s and the General hospital so as to facilitate and address the gaps.
“As you are aware, Government policy stipulates that we must have a health centre 3 in every subcounty, a health centre 4 in every constituency and a hospital at every district” but these, she said need to be supported to function fully. “We are yet to receive an ambulance, scanning machines and xray machines, but we get more equipment, the beds could be in use”.
The VP said that the idea of NRM Government is that health should be accessed by all, advising then, that equitable distribution in the health facilities located in the constituencies of Usuk, Ngariam and Taroma would benefit all. “It is the responsibility of Government to ensure equitable access”, adding that “the purpose for me, on behalf of the Government is to deliver these beds.”
The Vice President also requested that that a few non for profit health facilities could benefit because
Government works very closely with facilities that are not for profit. “If they dont have enough beds, if there is high need and if there are urgent and existing gaps, and if the health policy reconciles with the need, these facilities could benefit”, she guided. “We work symbiotically with the private sector because largely, the economy is private sector led.
The District Health Officer Dr. Moses Ongala thanked Government for the intervention and promised to put the beds to good use.
He expressed gratitude to the VP for continuously expressing concern to the health needs of the district, highlighting the fact that the Vice President had already facilitated another donation of an assortment of health equipment to Katakwi general hospital.
The LCV appreciated the support which coincendentally, follows the monitoring done only a day before and had a resolution from the council to increase lobbying for improved capacity.
The Deputy RDC Katakwi-Susan thanked the Vice President for the leadership mentoriship and guidance she gave recently at the leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
The Usuk MP-Hon Bosco Okiror thanked Government for the beds saying “everbody is a candidate for health and therefore we appreciate this”, saying as district representatives, they have held several deliberations for the general improvement of health status in the district.
