Katakwi district welcomed Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Africa medical experts (Ophthalmologists) on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, at the Katakwi district Hospital premises.
The medical doctors, on a three-day visit to the district, were warmly welcomed by HE VP Jessica Alupo and are set to perform free eye surgery on people affected by cataracts. A total of 300 individuals have been verified by the Katakwi district medical team to undergo this operation.
Dr. Icumar Omekethe, the District Health Officer, noted in his speech that, on average, 200 patients are admitted to Katakwi hospital. He highlighted the strain on facilities, particularly in the pediatric ward, which was originally designed for HC1V4, admitting only 14 children at that time.
The shortage of bed facilities was also emphasized, with mothers sometimes having to sleep on the beds for one or two days after operations, causing logistical challenges as new patients arrive.
Dr. Icumar suggested that the hospital should have four theaters, including an emergency theater at OPD, two theaters for women, and one dirty theater. According to the developed master plan, he mentioned that the hospital is seeking about 78 billion for the construction of additional facilities.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Katakwi chairman, expressed his overwhelm after a brief meeting with the Pakistan doctors. He shared their commitment to support Katakwi doctors by organizing study tours to their hospital in Ntinda. He also thanked VP Jessica Alupo for her role in facilitating good service delivery in Katakwi.
Major Godfrey Katamba, the Resident District Commission Katakwi, expressed gratitude to VP Alupo for championing health as SDG 3 and welcomed the Pakistan doctors.
VP Alupo, in her remarks, thanked all the patients for their large turnout and expressed gratitude to the Pakistan delegation for their repeated visits to Katakwi. She highlighted the urgent need for eye medical services in the region and emphasized the government’s commitment to health, citing immunization efforts against killer diseases and epidemics.
She acknowledged the constraints faced by hospitals in terms of equipment and human resources but assured that the government is determined to address these challenges. VP Alupo urged women to attend antenatal care and emphasized the importance of exercise and healthy eating to avoid lifestyle diseases.
While acknowledging the efforts of Katakwi health workers in community sensitization, VP Alupo noted malaria as a significant challenge in Katakwi and the country. She appealed to the Pakistani friends for donations of mosquito nets and an ambulance.
VP Alupo expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Katakwi for the visit, requesting mosquito nets and an ambulance. She confirmed her intention to return with health ministry authorities to Katakwi hospital and work on implementing the master plan.
