Uganda: Nakapiripirit Residents Demand Upgrade of Moruita Health Centre II

Residents of Moruita Sub-county in Nakapiripirit District are demanding the upgrade of Moruita Health Centre II to a Health Centre III. This is due to a lack of adequate maternity services, the need for long-distance referrals, and the increasing demand for healthcare in the community. Esther Napeyok, a resident, believes that upgrading the facility would reduce the need for patients to travel to Nakapiripirit Town for treatment.

The upgrade would save them the burden of referrals and the long distances they have to travel to access health services. The health centre currently has only one delivery bed in a small room, causing concern among residents. Additionally, there are allegations of land encroachment on the health centre's property, leading to a dispute that district leaders are working to resolve peacefully.

Nakapiripirit District Chairperson Simon Peter Lokiru promised to follow up on the residents' concerns and engage relevant authorities regarding the proposed upgrade. During an interface meeting organized by WIDEA and FOWODE, residents presented their findings on public services. The Women Integrated Development and Empowerment Agency and the Forum for Women in Democracy facilitated the meeting, bringing together various groups to discuss the issues with district officials.

Assistant District Health Officer Molly Risa Putan acknowledged the concerns raised by the women's groups and prioritized the construction of a placenta pit and the improvement of the maternity ward in the upcoming budget. She confirmed that the existing staff at Moruita Health Centre are sufficient to operate at the Health Centre III level if the facility is upgraded.