Nakaseke Hospital Faces Critical Service Disruptions Due to Frequent Power Outages

Nakaseke General Hospital is sounding the alarm over persistent electricity outages that are significantly hampering its ability to provide essential healthcare services. Medical Superintendent Dr. Moses Ocen stated that the power supply fails at least twice a week, critically impacting the maternity ward, operating theatre, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where a stable power source is non-negotiable.

These interruptions pose a grave danger to patients, especially premature infants and those undergoing surgical procedures. The hospital’s generator, while a backup, is prohibitively expensive to run due to fuel costs. Dr. Ocen estimates that over Shs500 million is needed to install a solar power system, which would offer a more sustainable and reliable energy alternative.

Beyond critical care, the frequent power cuts also jeopardize the integrity of stored medicines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies. Refrigerators used for storage cease to function during outages, potentially compromising the efficacy and safety of vital medications.

The hospital, which serves Nakaseke and surrounding districts and treated over 51,000 patients in the last six months, handles numerous daily deliveries and surgeries. Dr. Ocen also highlighted other pressing issues, including severe understaffing, which leads to overburdened healthcare workers, and deteriorating infrastructure, with leaking roofs posing a risk as the rainy season approaches.

While the hospital recently celebrated the refurbishment of its laboratory, thanks to support from the U.S. government, the persistent power issue remains a critical concern. Ministry of Health officials have pledged to follow up on the electricity problems, as the hospital appeals for comprehensive government intervention to address these multifaceted challenges.

Source: Nile Post