Iganga General Hospital is facing a strange occurrence: an infestation of bedbugs and mosquitoes, which have made the stay of patients at the facility unbearable.
Several admitted patients expressed their frustration, saying that sleeping in the wards has become a nightmare as the parasites add to discomfort and health issues.
Patients further reported that the bedbugs and mosquitoes are aggravating their conditions, with some fearing that the pests might be contributing to their illnesses.
Iganga Hospital, serving a population of about 500,000 across eight districts in the Busoga sub-region, is one of the country’s struggling health facilities.
It acts as a referral point for four other general hospitals within the region.
The hospital admits approximately 500 patients each month, most suffering from malaria, malnutrition, and bacterial infections.
However, patients face the additional challenge of insufficient beds and mattresses, which have also been infested with bedbugs, especially during the night.
A patient in the male ward told the Nile Post that sleepless nights due to the pests were adding to the hospital’s stress.
“We don’t know if the bedbugs are the ones taking our blood, and this could be one of the reasons why we are in the hospital. We ask the authorities within the facility to help us,” the patient said
Hospital Superintendent Anni Amatte acknowledged the issue, stating that the management is aware of the situation and is currently waiting for funding to begin fumigation.
“The issue was raised and is on our work plan. We are just waiting for the money to do the needful,” she explained.
In response to the hospital’s struggles, Captain Mike Mukula, NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, donated a range of medical equipment on January 3, 2024.
The donation included 50 mattresses, 10 stretchers, 5 wheelchairs, 10,000 syringes, 100 theater beds, and surgical gloves.
The equipment was handed over to the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Iganga, Dauda Kato, by Mukula, who is also the Chief Mobiliser for the Iganga Health Care Association.
This donation follows a pledge made during a marathon race organized by the Iganga Health Care Association in November 2023.
Mukula, who participated in the marathon as the chief runner, also promised to sponsor the painting of the entire hospital, giving it a fresh appearance.
Dr Anne Amatte, the hospital superintendent, emphasized the importance of proper care in handling the new equipment to avoid early damage.
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“We don’t want these equipments to break down within the shortest time as a result of bad handling,” she said.
Amatte also highlighted a positive development for the hospital: the installation of three ultrasound scan machines, which have been out of service for nearly two years.
This will help alleviate the financial burden on patients who previously had to seek ultrasound services at private facilities.
Meanwhile, Isma Kasimba, the LC3 chairman for the Central Division, urged authorities to investigate claims that some health workers at the hospital demand bribes from patients for services.
“One time, I accompanied a patient to this hospital at night, and the health worker on duty asked for Shs. 10,000 to conduct a minor operation,” he reported.
Kamidu Salongo, the LC3 Chairman for Nakalama Subcounty, also stressed the need for health workers to be diligent and ensure that the facilities are welcoming to all members of the public.
“Some people fear coming to public health centers, saying they are always dirty,” he added.
The complaints came as the hospital received new medical equipment.
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