Uganda’s Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine has castigated locals in Burunga sub-county in Kazo District over self-medication and trusting unlicensed health care providers.
“Most people are hoodwinked by fraudsters with simple science instead of seeking diagnosis and advice from qualified health workers in Government facilities,” she said.
Speaking during the community engagement meeting (baaraza) in Burunga sub-county, she noted that one of the reasons for increased health complications is ignorance amongst the people.
Dr. Atwine further cautioned the general public against consuming some drinks on the market, visiting traditional birth attendants, and taking over-the-counter medicine with no recommendations.
The residents of Burunga were also asked to desist from ‘gavumenti etuyambe‘ mentality but instead work together through fundraising for equipment and infrastructure for better service delivery.
The residents of Burunga sub-county also had the opportunity to share their concerns and challenges with the Permanent Secretary and other officials from the Ministry of Health.
The issues included; Need for technical support to regulate the mushrooming health facilities, insufficient mama kits for pregnant women at the health centers, need to prioritize quality care for patients, accountability of Government drugs and facilitation of Village Health Teams (VHTs) with uniforms. The communities also requested for such regular arrangements with the district leadership to guide on various issues.
Samuel Rumari, the LC III chairman Burunga sub-county noted that the sub-county has benefitted from the cooperation between the district health team and Ministry team with completion of Orwigi HC II, renovation of the Out Patient Department (OPD) at Burunga HC III, provision of mattresses to Lamezia HC III and Burunga HC III among others.
In his remarks, the Area Member of Parliament, Hon. Dan Kimosho, pledged to provide a 3D ultrasound scan within two months. Kimosho noted that he will work with Dr. Atwine to ensure one of the health workers at Burunga HC III is equipped with knowledge on how to operate it.
After the Baraza, Dr Atwine also presided over the official launch of renovation works at Burunga HC III which begins with immediate effect by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
The community engagement meeting which was organized by Ministry of Health was graced by District Health Teams of neighbouring districts, district leaders like the LC V chairman, Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda and Deputy RDC, Tumukurate Silvester, the district technical team led by CAO, Zirimenya Nsubuga, local leaders, VHTs, religious leaders and opinion leaders among others.
VIA MoH
