Busia District’s major government health facilities, Masafu Hospital and Busia Health Center IV, are facing critical shortages of essential medicines and supplies, leading to patients having to purchase medications from external sources. The stock-out is attributed to irregular deliveries of drugs by the National Medical Stores (NMS), leaving patients to bear the cost of treatment.
Patients seeking treatment at Masafu Hospital and Busia Health Center IV are unable to access essential medicines such as painkillers, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids, as well as health supplies including syringes, cannulas, gloves, stitches, and cotton wool. This shortage has forced individuals like Ms Rose Anyango, who was admitted to Masafu Hospital for a snake bite, to spend significant amounts on purchasing medications externally.
According to Mr. Lucas Hamirye, the situation is concerning as patients expect free treatment at government facilities but are now required to purchase medicines and supplies. Dr. Amon Bwambale, in charge of Masafu Hospital, confirmed the shortage, revealing that the facility has not received supplies from NMS since October, missing two subsequent delivery schedules. Similarly, Busia Health Center IV has faced a nearly four-month delay in supply deliveries, affecting the availability of crucial medical supplies, as noted by Dr. Yusuf Lule.
Dr. Mathias Wabwire Panyako, the Busia District health officer, emphasized the impact of the delayed deliveries on health service delivery, highlighting the necessity of essential supplies for medical procedures. Despite Masafu Hospital’s supposed monthly supply schedule and Busia Health Center IV’s bi-monthly schedule, both facilities have been adversely affected by the delays.
In response, the NMS spokesperson, Ms. Sheila Nduhukire, acknowledged the delivery of drugs for two supply cycles in October but promised to verify the situation further and provide additional information. However, no update was provided at the time of reporting. The situation underscores the critical need for timely and consistent medical supply deliveries to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for communities in Busia District.
