Masindi: Stanbic Bank donates equipment to Kyatiri Health Centre

MASINDI, November 1, 2024: Stanbic Bank Uganda has donated health equipment valued at Shs 35 million to Kyatiri Health Centre III in Kyatiri Town Council, Masindi district, aimed at enhancing service delivery.

The donation, which includes two delivery beds, two patient beds, two patient trolleys, one resuscitation bed, blood pressure machines, and 100 mama kits, was presented by Aron Akampa, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Enterprise Banking.

During the handover, Akampa emphasized the bank’s commitment to giving back to the community, noting that three years ago, the bank’s management made a strategic decision to support the health and education sectors in Uganda. “At Stanbic Bank, we believe that every mother should have a safe delivery. This is achievable through collaboration between health workers and political leaders. Despite the challenges, we felt it was important to contribute,” Akampa stated.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the health centre, Cosmas Byaruhanga, the LCV Chairperson of Masindi District, praised Stanbic Bank for its support, highlighting that government resources are often insufficient to meet various demands. “That’s why we welcome partnerships to fill the gaps. Without proper equipment and human resources, we cannot provide quality services,” he said, urging the health centre management to maintain the new equipment diligently.

Alled Ronald Akugizibwe, the area Member of Parliament, also commended Stanbic Bank for collaborating with the government to enhance the healthcare system. He noted that Kyatiri Health Centre III has been in urgent need of equipment, which has been unattainable due to limited government resources. “Your support is timely. The birth rate in this area is high, yet the facility lacked the necessary equipment to support mothers,” Akugizibwe added.

Challenges

Situated approximately 25 kilometers from Masindi town, Kyatiri Health Centre III faces a high demand for maternal services. According to facility records, they conduct between 40 to 50 deliveries each month, with nearly 100 mothers seeking antenatal services monthly. Despite serving a population of about 15,000, the centre operates with only 15 staff members, of whom just seven are medical personnel.

Lawrence Baleke, the facility in-charge, highlighted the challenge of high teenage pregnancy rates, which account for 40 percent of mothers attending antenatal care. “We appeal to the district to provide more midwives; we currently have only two for a large population. Additionally, the budget for medical supplies needs to be increased, as Shs 6 million for equipment every two months is insufficient,” he remarked.

The health centre serves four sub-counties: Kyatiri, Miirya, Pakanyi, Kiruli, and Kigumba, all within Masindi district.

Elijah Jabila, the LCIII Chairperson of Kyatiri Town Council, called for the facility’s upgrade to a Health Centre IV to attract more government funding and improve service delivery for the growing population. “As the population increases, we face significant challenges in accessing medical services. Upgrading this facility would enable us to station doctors here, as Health Centre IIIs provide limited services,” he said.

Midwife Jane Rose from the facility noted that the lack of donated equipment has hindered service delivery. “We have struggled to transport mothers due to the absence of trolleys. With this new equipment, our service delivery will improve significantly,” she said, encouraging mothers to continue choosing the facility for their deliveries.

Expectant mothers expressed their gratitude to Stanbic Bank for the support but urged government to upgrade the health centre to Health Centre IV status.

https://thecooperator.news/king-of-bunyoro-offers-financial-support-to-kibaale-health-centre-iv/