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New infrastructure to breathe life into Masaka hospital
Equator University of Science and Technology complex at Masaka Hospital which is under construction. PHOTO BY MALIK FAHAD JJINGO
Masaka-Government funded development projects at Masaka Referral Hospital have given residents hope of improved health service delivery at the regional facility.
The maternity complex estimated to have cost Shs10.6 billion is near completion with 70 per cent of work done.
According to Dr Nathan Onyachi, the Masaka Regional Hospital director, the improved infrastructure will solve space constraint issues at the regional referral hospital.
Specialised units
On average, Masaka hospital receives at least 1,800 out-patients and about 360 admissions daily, of which a minimum of 40 are maternal deliveries.
The four-storeyed facility, according to Dr Onyachi will have a gynaecology unit, antenatal and neonatal centres, labour and post-natal wards.
It will also have a paediatric and nutrition unit and an adolescent Health Unit, all fully equipped with modern equipment.
“We are under pressure to have this building completed because of congestion at both the maternity and children wards. We are sure that when this facility is completed incidents of patients sleeping on the floor will be no more,” he said during an interview last week.
Dr Onyachi said the hospital will also consider introducing heart treatment since they will have enough infrastructure to house the patients.
He also revealed that the Equator University of Science and Technology medical school complex will also offer specialised services such as dental care and treatment, artificial teeth manufacturing, modern imaging, among others.
Currently, Masaka Regional Hospital does not have an equipped dental laboratory. “What we are doing is tooth extractions because we cannot manufacture artificial teeth,” he said.
According to Dr Onyachi, Equator University of Science and Technology, will enable health workers at the regional hospital to upgrade in their various disciplines.
He revealed that the hospital has also earmarked some money to improve services at the mortuary besides acquiring a modern fridge.
“We are happy to report that this financial year we shall acquire a modern mortuary fridge which will help us to keep bodies in good shape,” he said.
Mr Shaban Lukooya, the project manager, said residents will greatly benefit from the development as they will be accessing quality affordable services.
“The construction is almost complete and by end of October, we shall be concentrating on equipping the centre,” he said.
