Local citizens advocate for improved funding to health sector

Local citizens in the Rwenzori Region have advocated for improved government support to the health sector to improve the delivery of health services at the local level for improved livelihoods. “The president should have visited Buhinga Referral Hospital to see for himself the appalling conditions facing the hospital so that he can increase its support from government.” Said Mutunzi Robert while commenting the recent President Museveni Visit to the Rwenzori Region.

The call was made by panellists and listeners of the Orukurato Live radio discussion on Hits FM on 24^th August, 2013. The topic for discussion was “Analysing the health sector in Uganda. Are the policies relevant? What is the role of local leaders and local citizens in improving the health sector?

Uganda Health Minister - Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda

“We need improved remuneration for our medical workers to improve their performance and reduce strikes by medical workers over low pay. There is also need to improve supervision for medical workers by political leaders to reduce corruption in the health sector.” Said Mutunzi Robert.

Tumwesige Andrew, a local citizen from Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo District also appealed to the government to improve funding to the health sector through construction of better health facilities and recruitment of more staff among others, “Government is supposed to construct health facilities and equip them with drugs, recruit enough health staff and remunerate our health staff well.” Said Tumwesige Andrew.

Tumwesige also appealed to local leaders to improve supervision and lobbying to the health facilities to improve performance of the health sector.

Local citizens who participated in the call-ins appealed for action on drug theft by medical workers and sensitisation on health issues and health service delivery to improve the performance of the sector.

“Government workers are stealing drugs because most of government medical staff are owning clinics where they sell drugs. Appropriate actions should be put in place to stop stealing of drugs.” Said Gerald, a caller from Bufunjo Sub County, Kyenjojo district.

“We are still doing badly on the role of different health facilities. People are not sensitised on the role of health centres. Most people are congesting the referral hospitals for small illnesses which would have been handled by health centres.”

The Orukurato weekly 2hr radio talkshow held every Saturday (08:00 – 10:00pm) is moderated by Kasigazi Willy Donanto. The live radio discussion which broadcasts issues of accountability is supported by Toro Development Network (ToroDev).