BY XAVIER LINUS KULE & JOACKIM KULE
Kilembe Mines Hospital in Bulembia Division of Kasese Municipality has received 17 mattresses to enable the health facility offer effective services to the patients.
The mattresses were donated to the facility this evening by its former employees under their umbrella body “Friends of Kilembe Mines Hospital.”
Dr. Harriet Biira, a former Pharmacist at the facility and a member of the group that mobilized the funds told the people who had gathered to witness the function that they were committed to mobilizing for support to the hospital so that it regains its lost glory.
Mr. Johnson Mutungwanda, the Chairperson of Board of Directors for Kilembe Mines Hospital explained that even after the withdrawal of some government staff, the facility is still progressing.
Early this year, government withdrew most of the health workers and some other staff from the facility and subsequently deployed them to other government facilities across the district.
The 12 staff on government payroll that were not transferred are however being supported by those that the management committee of the facility recruited on a private arrangement to bridge the gaps that were created by the withdrawal exercise.
Mutungwanda told the visiting team that they are currently operating on little amount of money that they collect from patients and support from well-wishers because the facility is no longer receiving funds from government.
Mr. Lazarus Walina, the Medical Records Officer at the facility told the press that the number of patients has however reduced because they are no longer receiving drugs and money for the Primary Health Care (PHC) from government.
Mr. Richard Bomera, the Bulembia Division Chairperson, stressed that issues surrounding Kilembe Mines Hospital have been brought to the attention of President Museveni, adding that they are waiting for his response.
He cautioned the people against spreading negative information about the facility for their selfish interests.
ENDS