By THE INDEPENDENT UG
Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health is urging leaders in Karamoja to collaborate with Moroto Regional Referral Hospital to address health challenges following the recent spotlight on the facility. The attention came after the tragic deaths of two mothers within a week after undergoing cesarean births at the hospital, prompting public outcry and demands for a comprehensive investigation.
Leaders accused doctors of negligence and unprofessionalism, leading Faith Nakut, the woman Member of Parliament for Napak district, to call for a parliamentary inquiry into the increasing maternal deaths at Moroto hospital. Nakut claimed that at least 12 mothers had died due to failed C-sections in the last three months.
Francis Adome, the Member of Parliament for Moroto Municipality, echoed concerns about rising maternal deaths, particularly affecting mothers from villages who receive inadequate attention at health facilities. He highlighted that these deaths often go unreported, emphasizing the need for prompt investigation.
Stella Atyang, the woman Member of Parliament for Moroto district, expressed public dissatisfaction with the hospital’s services, citing concerns about newly deployed medical interns working without adequate supervision. She mentioned delays in patient care and reckless handling as issues discouraging the public from seeking services at the hospital.
In contrast, a hospital report presented nationally contradicted the parliamentary claims, stating three maternal deaths and 52 prenatal deaths between June and December 2023. Dr. John Ngorok, the hospital board member in charge of quality assurance, accused leaders of spreading misinformation and urged them to seek accurate information from the hospital management.
Dr. Stephen Pande, the Moroto Regional Referral Hospital Director, attributed challenges to an unfavorable working environment, difficulty in attracting doctors and specialists, and human resource gaps. Pande called on local leaders to collaborate for improved health services and highlighted threats faced by hospital staff from local leaders and armed warriors.
Justin Tuko, the Moroto deputy Resident District Commissioner, identified a lack of supervision among health workers, creating a gap in service delivery. He called for teamwork and unity among health workers and warned against internal conflicts.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, urged leaders to provide solutions instead of lamenting, emphasizing the need to support the hospital and sensitize the public on factors leading to deaths. She acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to delivering better health services but highlighted the loss of doctors due to intimidation by local leadership. Atwine stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to address challenges.
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