Residents of Mwizi sub-county voiced their discontent yesterday following a decision by district leaders to transfer an anesthesia machine from Mwizi Health Centre IV to Bwizibwera Health Centre IV in Mbarara district. The machine was borrowed for emergency obstetric care, leaving the local maternity ward inoperational and causing distress among pregnant mothers in need of urgent medical assistance.
The protest reflects deep-seated concerns among residents over the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in Mwizi sub-county, particularly for expectant mothers requiring specialized care. The temporary removal of the anesthesia machine has exacerbated anxieties within the community about the reliability of essential medical equipment.
District leaders defended their decision, citing the critical need to address emergency obstetric cases at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV, which serves a broader population base in Mbarara district. However, local residents argue that the action has compromised healthcare delivery at Mwizi Health Centre IV, a primary healthcare facility crucial for maternal and child health services in the sub-county.
The non-operational status of the maternity ward has prompted widespread concern among community members, who rely on Mwizi Health Centre IV for essential healthcare services. Pregnant women in particular face heightened risks due to delays in accessing necessary medical interventions during labor and delivery.
Protesters gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the decision-making process that led to the temporary transfer of the anesthesia machine. They emphasized the immediate impact on maternal health outcomes and demanded transparency regarding future resource allocations and healthcare prioritization within the district.
Local authorities have been urged to engage in dialogue with community representatives to address grievances and explore interim solutions to mitigate the effects of the anesthesia machine’s relocation. This includes reassessing emergency preparedness protocols and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services at both health centers.
