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Mothers with disabilities and their advocates are elated after the introduction of a hydraulic adjustable delivery bed at Masindi Hospital.
Procured by Kabarwana Pentecostal Church at a cost of sh6m, aims to create a more accessible birthing environment for mothers who previously faced challenges using standard delivery beds.
Many mothers had abandoned Masindi Hospital due to the unwelcoming conditions, citing difficulties in accessing regular beds.
Susan Alinaitwe, a mother with a disability, shared her experiences, saying, “I have two children, but accessing normal beds was a struggle.
The beds are too high, and there were times I had no one to assist me. Some of us have weak legs, making it hard to support ourselves.” Alinaitwe expressed her gratitude for the new bed, the first of its kind at the facility.
In addition to the bed, Alinaitwe highlighted the need for ramps to improve access to hospital structures and sign language interpreters to bridge communication gaps for patients with hearing impairments, adding that often, they are ‘misdiagnosed’ due to misunderstandings.
Robbinah Kasaija, a representative of persons with disabilities in the district, pointed out that many individuals in the community do not conceive willingly, often facing stigma and abuse from healthcare providers and society.
“This new bed will encourage mothers to deliver in a safe environment instead of at home,” she said.
Jovia Ahumuza from the Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) added that many mothers with disabilities face questioning and scepticism regarding their ability to conceive and deliver.
“The challenges they encounter can be unbearable, deterring them from seeking necessary medical care.”
William Mwambu, a district councilor for persons with disabilities, said this emphasises the need for better facilities and training for healthcare providers on how to treat patients with disabilities.
“It’s frustrating to ask a mother with a disability to climb a regular bed and then question how she conceived when she struggles to do so,” he added.
Simon Baguma, administrator of Masindi Hospital, acknowledged the lack of suitable facilities for mothers with disabilities prior to this new addition.
“This bed will significantly enhance our service delivery,” he stated.
District Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga, praised Kabarwana Pentecostal Church for their commitment to supporting people with disabilities, emphasising the importance of treating them with respect and dignity.
Bishop Charles Bagonza of Kabarwana Pentecostal Church explained their motivation for the initiative.
“We responded to the concerns raised in the district council about the difficulties faced by mothers with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that all women can deliver comfortably and safely,” he said.
“The introduction of this adjustable delivery bed marks a significant step toward improving maternal healthcare for women with disabilities in the area, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all mothers,” he added.
