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Kyatiri health centre III in Kyatiri town council, Masindi district is struggling to meet the increasing demand for maternal services.
The facility records between 40 and 50 deliveries per month and nearly 100 mothers seek antenatal care monthly.
Despite serving a population of about 15,000 people, it operates with only 15 staff members, seven of whom are technical personnel.
Last week in partnership with area Member of Parliament, Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, Stanbic Bank donated equipment valued at over sh30m.
The donation included two delivery beds, two patient beds, two patient trolleys, a resuscitation bed, blood pressure machines, and 100 mama kits.
However, over 500 pregnant mothers had registered for the mama kits, highlighting the said health facility’s inadequate resources.
Lawrence Baleke, in charge of the facility, reported that the facility is also facing high rates of teenage pregnancy, with 40% of mothers seeking maternal health services being teenagers.
“We urgently need more midwives; currently, we only have two, which is insufficient for the population we serve. The birth rate in this area is too high. The budget for medical supplies must also be increased, as the sh6m allocated every two months is inadequate,” he added.
Baleke implored the district leadership and stakeholders to increase campaigns addressing the dangers of teenage pregnancy.
The facility caters to four sub-counties: Kyatiri, Miirya, Pakanyi, Kiruli and Kigumba.
Elijah Jabila, the LC3 chairperson of Kyatiri town council, asked the ministry of health to upgrad the facility to a Health IV level, noting that the entire county lacks such a facility.
“The population is growing rapidly, but we face challenges accessing medical services. Upgrading this facility is crucial to provide comprehensive care, including having doctors stationed here, as Health Centre IIIs offer limited services,” he said.
Arone Akampa, head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank, emphasised that the donation was aimed to support the community.
“We believe every mother should deliver safely, which requires collaboration between health workers and local leadership,” he added.
Cosmas Byaruhanga, district chairperson, praised Stanbic Bank’s support, highlighting that no developing country can fully provide adequate healthcare alone.
“We welcome partners to help fill the gaps. Without the necessary equipment and human resources, quality service delivery is impossible. I urge everyone to maintain these modern tools for long-term use.”
Jane Rose, a midwife noted that the facility’s previous lack of equipment severely impacted service delivery, adding that they have struggled to carry mothers without trolleys.
“With these new supplies, we can significantly improve our services,” she said, encouraging mothers to continue delivering at the facility.
Alled Ronald Akugizibwe, the area Member of Parliament commended Stanbic Bank for its partnership in enhancing healthcare, admitting the facility’s dire need for equipment that government resources could not provide.
“Your support is timely. The birth rate is high, and this facility lacked the necessary tools to support mothers,” he said.
Expectant mothers also expressed their gratitude to Stanbic Bank for the support and urged the government to upgrade the health facility to a Health Centre IV.
