By Richard Onapatum
In a bid to enhance healthcare accessibility in rural Uganda, Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo inaugurated the fully-equipped Koritok Health Centre III in Usuk sub-county, Katakwi district. The facility, costing 1.2 billion Ugandan shillings, was funded under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers Program, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services at the grassroots level.
During the commissioning ceremony on March 22nd, 2024, Vice President Alupo, also the district woman representative in Parliament, emphasized the importance of disease prevention over cure. She urged residents to utilize the center for antenatal care services and cautioned against home deliveries, emphasizing the facility’s role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Furthermore, Alupo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a Health Centre III in every sub-county and a Health Centre IV in each county. She urged Ugandans to prioritize routine health check-ups and immunizations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
While commending the army for its role in maintaining peace in Karamoja and Teso sub-regions, Alupo called upon teachers to cease illegal charges in schools. She also directed local authorities to prioritize electrification of government facilities and implement water projects to improve community well-being.
Expressing gratitude for government initiatives aimed at poverty eradication, Alupo urged beneficiaries of programs like OWC and EMYOGA to utilize funds responsibly. She applauded district leadership and highlighted the need for timely delivery of healthcare supplies to meet community needs.
However, Alupo expressed disappointment with the management of Aakum Health Centre III and urged the Ministry of Health to involve the UPDF Engineering Brigade in its construction for efficient delivery. She praised the President’s commitment to establishing first-class hospitals in Katakwi and Lwengo districts, emphasizing the potential of these facilities to provide comprehensive healthcare services to neighboring regions.
Local leaders echoed Alupo’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the new health facility in improving immunization coverage and antenatal care services. They called for adequate staffing and drug supplies to ensure efficient service delivery.
Dr. Simon Omeke, the District Health Officer, cautioned against the use of traditional birth attendants and pledged to advocate for increased recruitment of healthcare workers. The District Chairman, Godfrey Omolo, highlighted the facility’s role in health education and community outreach.
Residents welcomed the new health center, emphasizing its potential to save lives and improve healthcare outcomes. They urged fellow community members to utilize the facility for regular health check-ups and emphasized the dangers of seeking care from unqualified personnel.
The Koritok Health Centre III boasts various amenities, including antenatal, male, female, and children’s wards, a waiting room, and staff quarters, underscoring its comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery.
The inauguration of the Koritok Health Centre III marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to improve healthcare access at the grassroots level. With continued government support and community engagement, such initiatives are poised to transform healthcare delivery and enhance the well-being of Ugandan citizens.