Mothers and patients in remote villages celebrated the arrival of a brand new ambulance from the Ministry of Health in a positive development for the residents of Kibuku District. The ambulance, valued at millions, is expected to enhance healthcare services in the district, which has a population exceeding 240,000 people.
Mary Mugala, a mother of four from Buseta Sub-county, expressed joy at the significant improvement in accessing Kibuku Health Centre IV, especially for expectant mothers and critically ill individuals.
District health secretary Augustine Majanga highlighted that the new ambulance would enhance the referral process for medical emergencies, addressing a critical need in the region.
Official statistics reveal that out of the 353 constituencies, 192 now have ambulances, representing a coverage rate of 54%. Additionally, all referral hospitals boast a 100% coverage rate.
During the ambulance handover, Bunyoro affairs state minister Jennipher Namuyangu, representing Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng, emphasized the government’s commitment to constructing health centre IIIs in every sub-county nationwide. She also pledged to secure more ambulances for constituencies in dire need.
Namuyangu cautioned against the misuse of the ambulance, stating it should only serve vulnerable communities for accessing health services. She emphasized that the ambulance should not be diverted for non-emergency purposes or transporting goods and should exclusively transport patients.
Kibuku County Member of Parliament Hebert Kinobere criticized health workers for neglecting the landline phones he donated to seven health facilities in Kibuku County, urging them to utilize the donated resources to assist patients.
Kibuku LC5 chairman Mohammed Nakeba voiced concern about ambulance drivers overcharging patients, warning of disciplinary action against any driver engaged in such practices. He disclosed that the government has allocated Shs1 million for fuel per quarter.
Kibuku District, with a population of about 240,000 people, is served by 9 health centre IIIs, 1 health centre IV, and two health centre IIs. The district was carved out of Pallisa in 2010.
