Poor Hygiene Forces Health Workers To Lay Down Tools

Health workers at Princess Diana health centre IV in Soroti Municipality have gone on strike protesting poor hygiene at the facility.

 

The striking staff says the pit latrine at the health centre is now filled up and they lack bathing shelters for patients.

 

They accuse Soroti Municipal Council authorities of not heeding to their cry for the last two years.

 

The patients use polythene bags for easing themselves which they later liter all over the compound.

 

Silver Ekaju, the In-charge at the Health Centre told Uganda Radio Network that the decision to lay down their tools was reached at in a meeting on Thursday. The health workers say this could propel the district authorities to respond to their cry.

 

He explained that the current poor hygiene could cause other diseases to patients and their attendants.

 

Ekaju noted that human waste is littered all over the compound and they can’t operate under such conditions. He added that the only operational toilet that serves up to 2,000 patients monthly has been closed due to water shortage.

 

Ekaju said the only operating units are HIV /AIDS clinic and the ARV department.

 

Simon Okello, a resident of Asinge cell in Madera ward in Soroti Municipality, says he failed to access treatment for his wife who is expecting as every medical staff he consulted paid a deaf ear.

 

Geoffrey Oumo, the Municipal councillor representing Madera Ward, said there is no will on the side of Soroti Municipality to address the problem. Oumo noted that health inspectors have raised the issue of poor Hygiene but all in vain.

 

 Bosco Ojur, the acting Principal Medical Officer for Soroti Municipality told URN that the Municipal council is procuring a contractor to have new pit latrines constructed immediately.