By: Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
As most people globally were celebrating Easter festives, health workers at the Western Uganda’s biggest health facility Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital spent most of their time in labor suits delivering mothers.
Halson Kagure, the hospital Public Relations Officer (PRO) says a total of 38 babies which included a set of preterm twins were born at this facility in Easter season. They are 21 girl children and 17 boys.
In an interview with this publication, the mother’s thanked the Almighty God for enabling them go through the nine months of expectancy and to deliver in the holy season.
The hospital PRO disclosed that of 38 babies 18 were delivered through cesarean section and the rest are normal deliveries.
For the case of preterm babies, Kagure said they have been transferred to neonatal ward where children born before 38 weeks of normal delivery are managed.
He also said most of the newborn babies that were delivered are in good health and some are getting discharged.
The Hospital management commended the good work done by their health workers at the time when majority of Ugandans were busy celebrating Easter.
Kagure however told this media that they registered about ten referrals of expectant mothers who claim to have been referred to the main hospital due to absence of some health workers at the facilities within their districts of origin.
He says its not a surprise that patients are still being referred to Mbarara Hospital because of their improved health facilities. It should be understood that many of normal delivery should be performed at a lower level health centers including HCIII and IV .
Kagure applauded the support of the American People through USAID to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital which he said is building the capacity of lower health centers in Ankole region something that is yielding tangible results.
He urges heads of health services in the districts to strengthen monitoring and supervision so as to improve quality care services.
“We have established that most cases are self referrals and this perhaps explains why there is always shortage of basic necessitates to use during and after delivery,” he said
On a daily basis, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital delivers about 30 mothers which translates to over 10,000 babies annually.
At Mbarara referral, every mother is given a mama kit which contains basic necessities but Kagure urges couples to always plan better prior to delivery date so as to avoid unpredictable challenges due to lack of consumables like mama kits.
On the other hand, the Hospital Administration has urged mothers to adhere to their children’s immunization schedule so as to safeguard them against serious immunizable diseases.
