Butiaba Health Center III in Buliisa District has been reopened. The
facility was in October last year submerged by floods rising from Lake Albert.
As a result, health services at the health facility were then relocated
to Butiaba Primary school as pupils were still home due to the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic.
The floods submerged the staff quarters, maternity, male and female wards,
store and the Outpatient Department - OPD among other facilities around the health
centre. Also submerged were roads leading to the health facility making it
difficult for patients to access.
The health centre receives 200 patients a day on average including those from
the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC. However, following the resumption of
classes by semi candidates, medical workers at the health centre found it hard
to continue operating at the school yet its premises are still submerged.
They were compelled to close the facility because they lacked space
to accommodate staff and patients.
Dr Nelson Naisye, the Buliisa District Health Officer-DHO says that
the facility was reopened on Wednesday following a public outcry.
He says health services at the facility have been shifted to the
former Butiaba sub-county headquarters that has adequate space to accommodate
both staff and patients.
Nicholas Aliganyira, the Biiso Sub County Councilor says the
reopening of the health facility will help reduce the burden and pressure that
was being exerted on Biiso Health Center IV.
//Cue in;” Following the closure…
Cue out:… Health Center IV.”//
Robert Tibasiima, a fisherman at Butiaba landing site says the
reopening of the facility will save expectant mothers and HIV/AIDS patients who
have been trekking long distances in search of health services.
