Kawempe Hospital registers decline in maternal deaths

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kawempe National Maternal Hospital is experiencing a significant decrease in preventable maternal and neonatal deaths, thanks to corporate support received from various companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

During the reception of essential utility commodities from Stanbic and its partners, Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga, the hospital’s executive director, highlighted the notable reduction not only in preventable maternal deaths but also in neonatal fatalities.

“Managing an average of 80 daily deliveries, including 30 Cesarean Sections, at the 200-bed facility is made feasible, safe, and effective with collaborative support from the private sector,” Dr. Byaruhanga emphasized.

He noted that while the government provides most equipment and necessities, partnerships are essential as the government alone cannot fully meet the hospital’s requirements due to budget constraints.

“Of course, the government provides most of the equipment and necessities, but partners must also support because the government alone doesn’t have enough money to meet all the hospital’s needs,” he said.

With assistance from private sector contributions, expertise availability, and consistent medical supplies from the government, the hospital has witnessed a decrease in preventable maternal deaths to fewer than five per month compared to double digits in previous years.

Dr. Byaruhanga stressed the need to alleviate the hospital’s congestion by empowering health centers in the Kampala metropolitan area. This approach aims to manage preventable maternal and neonatal deaths at these centers instead of referring critical cases to Kawempe, where situations often worsen.

Stanbic’s donations, particularly to the neonatal clinic, serve the primary goal of easing congestion by strengthening lower-tier health units. This strategic move aims to reduce pressure on Kawempe Hospital and enhance the quality of services offered.

“Most importantly, Stanbic has donated several pieces of equipment, especially to the neonatal clinic, with one of our primary goals being to decongest the hospital. When you have too many mothers and babies, the pressure is mounted on everything, leading to breakdowns. We want to reduce the number of deliveries here by operationalizing the lower health units. If these units would be functional, then we could relieve the pressure on Kawempe and offer more quality services.”

Recognizing the impact of utility commodities support on hospital staff morale, Dr. Byaruhanga underscored its significance as a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated work. Ann Juuko, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, commended the hospital staff’s frontline efforts in ensuring safe motherhood. She emphasized the private sector’s role in supplementing where the government faces limitations, fostering a country that citizens can be proud of.

“It is the responsibility of the private sector and the population to supplement where the government has failed because this is our home. It’s only then that we can build a country that we are proud of, not only for us but for our children and generations to come. Let us sow the seeds for a better Uganda.”

Acknowledging Kawempe Hospital’s responsible utilization of donated equipment, Juuko highlighted the positive outcomes of the Ministry of Health’s supportive public-private partnership for the nation’s benefit.

Regarding decongesting Kawempe referral hospital, Juuko pledged continued support, ensuring lower-tier health centers are equipped to provide high-quality services akin to Kawempe’s standards.

“It is one thing to chase people away, but what will they find there? It is our responsibility to ensure that where we are sending them is as good as here, with the same equipment and the same doctor so the quality of service is not compromised. Let us continue to build the capacity of these decongestion centers.”

****

URN