The National Medical Stores (NMS) delay in delivering medicines and essential medical supplies is significantly impacting operations at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, according to administrators.
Hospital administrators attribute patient inconveniences, including being asked to purchase drugs externally, to these delays. They describe a situation where internal supply issues lead to what they term as the internal brokering of medical supplies and instances of extortion within the hospital premises.
Dr. Gonzaga Ssenyondo, Assistant Hospital Administrator and head of the Maternity Department, voiced concern over chronic stock-outs of government medical supplies. He disclosed that the hospital annually requisitions approximately 4.5 billion shillings worth of medical supplies but receives only about a third of this amount, estimated at 1.6 billion shillings from the government. This shortfall, he emphasized, places a heavy burden on patients who cannot afford to purchase medications from external markets. Furthermore, health workers are compelled to operate without essential items, compromising both personal and patient safety.
Dr. Herbart Kalema, a Consultant Gynecologist at the hospital, expressed worry that the inadequate delivery of drugs and medical supplies is tarnishing the hospital’s reputation. Patients frequently voice dissatisfaction with the hospital’s inability to meet their needs, a problem exacerbated by persistent systemic challenges.
In response to these concerns, the hospital administration has taken formal action by petitioning the Inspectorate of Government, Members of Parliament, and local Service Delivery Audit Committees. Dr. Kalema highlighted these efforts as essential steps towards addressing the longstanding issue.
Anne Muhirwe Twinomugisha, Deputy Inspector General of Government, acknowledged that drug stock-outs have been prominently featured in service delivery inspection reports across various regions. She pledged to leverage these reports to engage government authorities actively in improving service delivery standards.
The hospital’s plight underscores the critical need for enhanced coordination and timely supply of medical resources to ensure efficient healthcare delivery at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
