From ‘Sick Hospital’ To State-of-the-Art Facility: Bugiri Community Welcomes Historic Hospital Renovation

By Nelly Otto

 

BUGIRI

The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health has secured 953.9 billion Uganda shillings loans from both domestic and external markets to refurbish Bugiri General Hospital to a modern and international standard.

 

The Bugiri District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Stephen Kirya Bulolo says the funds have already been put in place and that very soon the renovation of the 1967-built health facility situated along the Jinja-Tororo highway prone to motor accidents will kick off.

 

According to experts, a general hospital serves as a primary point of care for patients with various medical conditions and they may also provide specialised services such as prenatal, delivery and postpartum services.

 

The 100-bed Bugiri General Hospital about 73 kilometres east of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital is one of the 22 hospitals established by the late Dr Apollo Milton Obote I’s UPC government which serves more than 300,000 people from Bugiri and surrounding areas, including Bugweri, Iganga, Busia, Namayingo, Mayuge, and Namutumba.

 

“…the government of Uganda secured a good amount of money from an international lender, the cabinet has passed a resolution and the parliament has also passed the budget…”, Dr Kirya said in a media interview.

 

He also said a couple of days ago MPs from the Social Services Committee including the Bugiri District Woman MP Hon Agnes Taaka visited and toured the facility in a fact-check visit when they also confirmed the renovation project.

 

Dr Stephen Kirya Bulolo also says that within a few years, Bugiri Hospital

 

For many years the hospital has been in a sorry state with some media commentators describing it as a ‘sick hospital’ needing treatment which has finally come with the planned renovation.

 

Dr Stephen Kirya Bulolo also announced the introduction of an internship and that five intern doctors have already reported to undergo their one-year training at Bugiri Hospital.

 

In Uganda, a medical internship is a statutory requirement for licensing by the country’s professional councils. The internship lasts for one year typically from August to July of the following year.

 

Medical interns work under the supervision of senior medical specialists or consultants in accredited hospitals, assisting in clinical care, taking patient histories and participating in procedures.

 

However, according to Dr Kirya Bulolo, there are no such specialists at Bugiri to supervise these interns which will likely hamper their internship period unless the Ministry of Health intervenes.

 

Some of the services provided at Bugiri Hospital include emergency medical services to patients in need, maternal and child health services, ensuring the well-being of mothers and children and various surgical procedures, including surgeries of the respiratory tract, which are typically carried out by specialists in cardiothoracic surgery.

 

Despite its importance in the region, Bugiri General Hospital has faced challenges, including infrastructure which has deteriorated over the years, affecting its ability to provide quality healthcare services.

 

Dr Stephen Kirya Bulolo also says Bugiri hospital’s equipment has become outdated, making it difficult for medical staff to provide effective treatment.

 

The hospital is understaffed, leading to overworked and underpaid staff, which can impact patient care.

 

With the current infrastructure and equipment in a sorry state, medical staff have faced significant challenges in delivering effective treatment. The hospital’s renovation will not only improve the working conditions for staff but also enhance patient care.

 

The importance of a well-equipped hospital in healthcare service cannot be overstated, especially in Bugiri, which serves a large population.

 

A modern hospital will enhance emergency response and care, particularly for accident victims on the Jinja-Bugiri-Busia/Malaba highway.

 

It is also expected to improve maternal and child health services, reducing mortality rates and ensuring the well-being of mothers and children.

 

Increase access to specialised surgical procedures, including cardiothoracic surgery and attract and retain medical staff, reducing the burden of understaffing and improving patient care.

 

Boost the local economy by providing better healthcare services, attracting investments, and creating jobs.

 

With the renovation project on the horizon, the people of Bugiri and surrounding areas have reason to be optimistic about their healthcare prospects.

 

The upgrade will undoubtedly bring numerous benefits, from improved patient care to enhanced working conditions for medical staff.

 

As the project kicks off, the community eagerly awaits the transformation of Bugiri General Hospital into a modern, world-class healthcare facility.