There are mixed reactions following a decision by Kwania district authorities to continue operating a dilapidated theatre at Aduku Health Center IV. In 2023, the Ministry of Health condemned the theatre and directed the district authorities to halt its operation.
However, the district authorities defied the directive and continued its operation. Mike Ngura Okello, a resident of Abongomola Trading Center in Acungi Parish, Abongomola Sub County in Kwania district, says that the move by the district leaders to run the dilapidated theatre has resulted in the death of many expectant mothers.
Ngura cited the death of his daughter-in-law, Cavin Okae, a mother of six, whom he claimed died due to the unsafe conditions of the theatre. He said the district authorities are responsible for the death of his daughter-in-law and is now demanding blood compensation for the tragic loss, adding that failure by the district to compensate him for the loss would attract litigation.
//Cue in: “As a concern …
Cue out: … them to court.”//
David Okino, Kwania District Health Officer, says that they are sourcing funding to rehabilitate the dilapidated theatre at Aduku Health Center IV, which is currently serving as the district referral hospital. He said the theatre has the capacity of only one operation table, unlike the modern theatre which requires three operation tables.
//Cue in: "Theatre ayin ikobo ...
Cue out: ... quality of care."//
Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, Kwania District LC V Chairman, who is also the Secretary of Education and Health, said the district had no alternative theatre due to the public demand. Ogwal said they allowed the theatre to operate despite the order to shut it down by the health ministry because the number of expectant mothers who needed surgery was overwhelming.
//Cue in: "Wan otye kede ...
Cue out: ... myero Yang Kan."//
Translation:
"We have a theatre that was condemned by the Ministry of Health because it had cracks all over but I told them this would not work because the numbers of expectant mothers that needed surgery were overwhelming" Aduku Health Center IV located in Ikwera ward, Aduku town council has four doctors, a specialist, five midwives, and 52 nurses.
It is the only health center IV in the district. On average, the health center receives 900 patients and carries out more than 100 deliveries a month.
Solomon Okabo
Freelancer