Patients seeking care at Pakwach Health Center IV are facing alarming safety concerns as cracked walls pose a risk to their well-being. The Pediatric ward, in particular, has drawn attention due to visibly cracked lines on its walls, extending from the roof down to the floor. With patients situated under these compromised structures, there is a palpable sense of insecurity regarding the stability of the walls.
The severity of the cracks is evident, with some running deep into the walls, heightening the potential danger in the event of a collapse. This worrying situation extends to the Maternity ward as well, where similar structural issues have been observed. As a result, some patients have opted to sleep under verandahs, seeking refuge from the perceived risks posed by the cracked walls.
Ms. Shamim Adokorach, a patient at the facility, expressed her apprehension, stating that the prevalence of cracks has made it increasingly risky to seek admission. She highlighted the community’s reluctance to utilize the health center, fearing the imminent collapse of the compromised walls. Such concerns have significantly impacted the comfort and peace of mind of patients admitted to the affected wards.
Another patient, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the gradual deterioration of the building’s structural integrity over the past four years. Expressing concern over the lack of action from authorities, the patient emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue before it escalates into a potential disaster. The need for timely repairs to prevent harm to patients cannot be overstated.
Dr. John Bosco Oryema, the in-charge of Pakwach Health Centre IV, shed light on the challenges faced by the facility, attributing the extensive cracking of walls to the high temperatures emanating from the nearby River Nile. Despite efforts to notify the Ministry of Health about these challenges, tangible solutions have yet to materialize, leaving the facility vulnerable to further structural decay.
Dr. Oryema further highlighted the strain placed on the health center by the substantial influx of patients, with up to 600-800 inpatients and 2000 outpatients seeking care monthly. The combination of dilapidated infrastructure and limited space has exacerbated the situation, forcing some patients to seek shelter under the verandahs due to safety concerns.
The plight of Pakwach Health Center IV underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the structural vulnerabilities compromising patient safety. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare authorities and relevant stakeholders are essential to implement timely repairs and ensure that patients receive care in a secure and conducive environment. Failure to act swiftly may expose vulnerable individuals to unnecessary risks and jeopardize the integrity of healthcare delivery at the facility.
