By Wetondo Denis Julius
MBALE
A Health Center 1V hospital in Mbale district has operated for 17 years without a standby generator causing inconveniences to patients especially at night.
When this reporter visited Busiu Health Centre IV in Mbale district yesterday, 12th November 2020, he found patients who raised their concern over the non-functional generator.
Samuel Nadaa one of the patients at the centre said during night hours when power has a blackout, they stay in darkness.
Suzan Wetuunga also a patient told this website that expectant mothers and patients recommended for operation, most times are referred to Mbale main referral hospital because of regular loadshedding.
They urged the ministry of health to repair the generator such that patients can get services at the health centre.
Moses Samali, the LCIII chairperson of Busiu Town Council confirmed non- functioning of the generator saying as local leaders they have raised the matter with Mbale district health office but no positive response has been received up to now.
He urged the Mbale district health officer to intervene in this matter or push the ministry of health to have the generator repaired or purchase a new one for the health centre.
Jonathan Wangisi, the Mbale District Health Officer when contacted revealed that the ministry of health purchased the generator at Shs150million to help in running machines, theatre and lights when electricity goes off at the health centre.
He added that since the generator got spoiled 17 years back, his office has written to the ministry of health about the problem many times but they have failed to get a positive response and yet the district has no money and capacity to repair the generator.
