By Brian Atuhura
Masindi District leaders have underscored the need for collective system wide solutions to improve healthcare delivery as health workers from Masindi General Hospital gathered to mark their end of year celebrations.
Officiating as Chief Guest at the event held at Kolping hotel in Masindi Town on Friday,the District Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga commended health workers for their dedication and improving service delivery.He urged them to remain committed to professionalism and hard work, noting that their efforts form the back bone of the district's health system.
Byaruhanga cautioned against placing sole blame on health workers for challenges such as maternal deaths, arguing that many of these outcomes are driven by broader systemic gaps.
He pointed to poor road networks, limited transport for expectant mothers and occasional shortages of medical supplies as critical delays that hinder timely access to care.
He also welcomed government's recent enhancement of health workers' salaries, encouraging staff to pursue further training and higher qualifications as a pathway to career progression and improved leadership within the health sector.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Masindi Samuel Ruhweza Kaija, highlighted government investments aimed at improving staff welfare and infrastructure at the hospital.
He revealed that the UPDF Engineering Brigade is constructing 16 staff housing units, with some health workers expected to take up accomodation between March and April next year.
Kaija further announced that construction of a modern Out Patients Department (OPD)is set to commence in January or February, following the release of shs 10 billion by the Ministry of Health.The funds have been handed over to the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which is currently finalizing designs, drawings and bills of quantities.
Beyond these projects, Kaija said government has developed a comprehensive master plan to renovate Masindi General Hospital once the staff housing and OPD projects are completed, signaling a phased but sustained approach to improving health infrastructure.
The Acting District Health Officer (Ag.DHO),Dr.Felix Twinomugisha Rwehururu, credited internal reforms for the improved performance of the hospital, noting that key changes implemented during his tenure as Medical Superintendent enhanced service delivery.
He challenged health workers to maintain teamwork and commitment, particularly in efforts to eliminate maternal deaths.
Hospital Board Chairperson,John Bagada Winter,said the current board has worked to restore order and accountability at the facility, laying a stronger foundation for better service delivery.
Meanwhile,the Acting Executive Consultant (Ag.EC),Dr.Rogers Musinguzi attributed the hospital's improved performance to targeted medical camps and continuous professional trainings,that have strengthened staff skills and patient care.
He thanked the district's political leadership for its oversight role and praised members of the District Health Team for providing consistent technical guidance.
The event concluded with a shared call for sustained collaboration among political leaders,administrators and health workers to address systemic gaps and ensure better health outcomes for the people of Masindi District.