GULU – The World Health Organization [WHO] through the Danish government has handed over equipment worth Shs 2.1 billion to boost service delivery in regional referral hospitals.
The supplies which include three standby generators and four automated commercial washing machines were handed over on Tuesday in a ceremony that took place at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
According to officials, the support is part of Uganda’s strategic partnership with WHO and the Danish Government for the supply of standby power for oxygen plants and other medical responses.
Gulu Regional Referral Hospital received a generator valued at Shs 571 million and a commercial washing machine worth Shs 98mln.
Kabale Regional Referral Hospital and Jinja Hospital Regional Referral Hospital each received a generator.
Meanwhile, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital each received an automated commercial washing machine.
The Director Gulu Regional Referral Hospital Dr. James Elima noted that the hospital has battled with the intermittent power supply for a long time affecting health care services.
The current power supply to the hospital by UMEME is reportedly only 60 percent, leaving the hospital in dire need with the most affected units being intensive care, operation room, surgical and the general ward.
Dr. Elima is however hopeful that the 250 Kv diesel generator will address the gaps of power fluctuation and enhance the quality of care for needy patients.
He also commended the strategic partnership saying that the washing machines will help control the spread of infectious diseases, especially to the support staff that use their hands to wash clothes.
The Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Jane Acheng noted that the support will effectively respond to the need for a stable and uninterrupted power supply facing the different units in the selected hospitals.
She commended WHO and the Danish Government for continued support in the implementation of the resurgence response plan for Covid 19 and improved health services.
Uganda developed and launched the national resurgence response plan 2021/2022 in line with global guidance on Covid 19 strategic response plan.
The plan provides a framework for a robust response to mitigate the risk associated with Covid 19 resurgence and to strengthen the sustainable structure for emergency response in the country.
The Head of Cooperation and a Deputy Danish Ambassador to Uganda Henrik Jespersen noted that the generators were intended for Covid-19 responses but will ultimately close the power gaps in hospitals.
“The Danish government is pleased to partner with WHO and Ministry of Health in strengthening the health service Institutions in Uganda and the generators will bridge the power supply gaps that have affected health service deliveries in these hospitals,” Henrik explained.
The WHO representative to Ugandan Dr. Yonas Tagen Woldemariam noted that the donation is part of the support in response to health emergencies and building the resilient health system in the country to withstand shocks and ensure health care service provisions.
https://thecooperator.news/gulu-regional-referral-hospital-gets-funding-for-regional-incinerator/
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