Bongo has a district hospital in name, but the facility still lacks the infrastructure and equipment required to function fully at that level, District Chief Executive Diana Asoketarige Ayamga has said.
Madam Ayamga is therefore appealing to the government and relevant health authorities to upgrade the facility’s infrastructure and provide the equipment needed for it to operate effectively as a district hospital.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tinmaalgo Sanga programme, the DCE explained that the facility began as a health centre and was subsequently elevated to hospital status.
However, she said that change in status has not been matched by the infrastructure, equipment and other resources expected of a district hospital.
The gap, according to Madam Ayamga, means residents still have to travel outside Bongo for some healthcare services that a fully functioning district hospital could provide.
She said upgrading and properly equipping the hospital would improve access to healthcare within the district while reducing the financial and logistical burden on residents who have to seek some services elsewhere.
The DCE therefore called for investment in both infrastructure and medical equipment to enable the hospital to fully perform the functions expected of its current status.
Madam Ayamga also raised concerns about the district’s mortuary facility, which has been completed but remains non-operational because it lacks essential equipment.
She appealed to non-governmental organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to support the Bongo District Assembly in acquiring the equipment required to make the mortuary functional.
According to the DCE, putting the mortuary into operation would provide an important service to bereaved families and reduce the difficulties residents face when they have to seek mortuary services outside the district.
She called for stronger collaboration among the Bongo District Assembly, government agencies, NGOs and development partners to address the infrastructure and equipment gaps affecting healthcare delivery in the district.
Madam Ayamga said the Assembly would continue engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that Bongo’s district hospital is upgraded to fully reflect its status and that other critical health facilities, including the mortuary, are put to effective use.
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