By Emmanuel Olinga
Bank of Uganda has provided medical equipment and infrastructure development to Magoro Health Center III as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts to promote mother and child health in Uganda.
During the handover of a new outpatient department facility and the donation of vital medical equipment worth more than Ugx 500,000,000 to Magoro Health Center III in Katakwi district contracted to the UK contractor.
Michael Atingi-Ego, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, stated that the move will greatly improve maternal and child health services in the district and is part of the Bank of Uganda’s continued commitment to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for women and their children in underserved communities.
He claims that the Bank of Uganda’s sponsorship allows the health facility to provide high-quality maternity and newborn care while preventing pregnant mothers from having to travel for crucial treatments.
Magoro H/C III established in 1949 as a dispensary during colonial time since then has served over 30,000 people Magoro Health Center III serves a population of 150 to 2000 people on daily basis at OPD and in the maternity ward over 1200 mothers are delivered.
Dr. Simon Icumar Omeke, District Health Offcier Katakwi, expressed gratitude that for over 10 years, the facility’s services have been debilitating, noting that with an assortment in place, health services will be improved for the people of Magoro for the next 50 years.
According to Omeke Icumar, there are numerous patients in Magoro, stating that frequent checks and comprehensive maternal and health care would be improved in the district.
Godfrey Omolo, LC5 Katakwi, said that with the donation, the district will be better prepared to manage emergencies, stability and resilience of the community for years.
He claims that according to the NDC4 study, Katakwi has a high life expectancy; nonetheless, he has pushed the public to avoid child marriage, with Magoro ranking first.
Among the items donated includes state of the art medical devices such as fetal monitors, baby incubators, delivery beds and neonatal resuscitation equipment which are crucial in providing timely and effective care during pregnancy, child birth and postnatal period.
In works items construction of a new outpatient department OPD building, renovation of maternity block, renovation of outpatient department OPD, in medical equipment a BP machine (Aneroid wall mounted), 2 BP machine (Aneroid), 5 infant resuscitators, refrigerator, Baby incubator, 3 Oxygen Therapy apparatus, among others, while in environmental 4000 hedges trees, 105 ornamental and fruit trees.
Mary Ikiyai, a resident of Osudio believes that provision of equipment will cut the expense of Ugx 30,000 travelling to and from Katakwi hospital to seek for ultra-scanning services and referrals among others.
Suzan Kanyimazi, secretary BoU, responsible for social corporate responsibility at Bank of Uganda said through these contributions, the bank of Uganda is investing in health, stability and resilience for the community they serve.
She said they have supported maternal and child healthcare for a health society by donating medical equipment and infrastructure development to nine health centers in Mbarara, Mbale, Arua, Gulu, Kabarole, Masaka, Jinja, Rubanda, Kabale, Hoima, Mitooma , Lira and now Magoro in Katakwi.
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