WAKISO.The district is seeking five ambulances to ease referral of patients to major hospitals in Kampala City.
Patients in Wakiso who need referrals are usually taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kawempe National Referral Hospital or Kiruddu Natipnal Referral Hospital.
Dr Emmanuel Mukisa, the District Health Officer , says they have so far received three ambulances from the government through the Ministry of Health which are stationed at Wakiso Health Centre IV in Busiro East, Kajjansi Health Centre IV in Busiro South, and Buwambo Health Centre IV in Nansana Municipality.
“This leaves a gap of five ambulances still needed to meet the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Policy which requires that at least each constituency has an ambulance.”
“Each constituency is mandated to be having at least one ambulance. In Wakiso where we have eight constituencies, so far we have a collection of three ambulances,” Dr Mukisa said.
The five constituencies without district ambulances are; Kyadondo East, Makindye Ssabagabo, Kira Municipality, Busiro North, and Entebbe Municipality.
The first ambulance which was provided by the government was given to Busiro East in the last financial year of 2023/2024. This ending fiscal year, 2024/2025, additional two ambulances have been donated to the district.
The ambulance given to Busiro South Constituency will serve areas of Kajjansi, Bussi Islands, areas of Ssisa, Kasanje and Nakawuka among others. The ambulance stationed at Buwambo Health C IV on the other hand, will serve the community of Nansana Municipality.
“The availability of these ambulances is going to improve our referral services especially the mothers who fail to deliver at our lower levels so that they can get medication at higher centres of medication,” Dr Mukisa highlighted.
He noted that even the maternal mortality rates which have been high are expected to reduce with these ambulances.
“Our appeal is that we get to fulfill the Emergency Medical Service Policy whereby the five remaining constituencies can also be able to get ambulances.”
Dr Mukisa subsequently asked the government to fulfill its promise of elevating Wakiso Health Central IV to a district hospital.
“We acquired the land title of where the facility sits which is about six acres but upto now, the government is yet to fulfill the promise of giving us a district hospital,” he appealed to the government.
Mr Muwanga Lutaaya, the Wakiso Assistant Resident District Commissioner, asked the DHO to monitor the ambulances and ensure they are kept in good condition.
“We are giving you these ambulances for a purpose of transporting patients not dead bodies. Ensure they are maintained and serve the purpose they have been provided for.”he said
Dr Simon Peter Bulwa, the officer in charge of Kajjansi Health Centre IV, said they have been finding challenges with mobilising an ambulance from Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital. He believes this is a great relief for the facility and for patients of Kajjansi area .