By Sharon Basilika
Mukono District Health Officer Dr Steven Mulindwa has appealed to the government to expand the maternity ward at Mukono General Hospital, citing overcrowding, inadequate staffing and shortages of essential medicines.
Mulindwa said the hospital continues to receive a growing number of expectant mothers from Mukono and neighbouring districts, including Kayunga, Wakiso and Buikwe, placing considerable pressure on its maternity facilities and health workers.
He said the increasing number of mothers seeking delivery services requires urgent government intervention to improve the hospital’s capacity to handle patients.
Mulindwa also raised concerns about inadequate staffing, noting that some health workers travel long distances to reach the hospital, affecting the delivery of services.
He said shortages of essential medicines have also forced some patients to purchase prescribed drugs from private pharmacies, adding to the cost of accessing healthcare.
Mulindwa made the remarks during a monitoring visit by Mukono District leaders to assess the hospital’s performance and identify challenges affecting service delivery.
The visit was led by Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Steven Muhumuza and District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome, accompanied by other district leaders and hospital administrators.
Muhumuza said regular monitoring of public health facilities is necessary to identify gaps, guide hospital management and ensure that government services meet the needs of residents.
He urged health workers to observe professional ethics, remain committed to their responsibilities and treat patients with respect.
District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome pledged continued cooperation between the district leadership and the health department in addressing challenges at the hospital.
Lukooya called for discipline, teamwork and professionalism among medical personnel, warning that unethical conduct could undermine public confidence in government health facilities.
He urged health workers to maintain high standards of patient care and avoid practices that could damage their professional reputations.
The district leadership identified maternity ward expansion, additional staffing and improved supplies of essential medicines as priority areas requiring attention from the relevant government authorities.
