Maternal And Neonatal Wards at Kawolo Hospital Overwhelmed

Medical workers at Kawolo Hospital, Lugazi maternity ward have expressed concern over limited space at the neonatal section in the face of a dramatic rise in neonates over the past year.

The section was designed to accommodate 20 babies however numbers of premature and weak babies have increased following an upsurge of teenagers giving birth. More in this report.

According to hospital records, the number of neonates doubled from 20 to about 40 registered on a weekly basis in 2021. Dr. Richard Bboda the Buikwe District Health Officer says the problem is attributed to a rise in teenage mothers as schools remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in malaria in the district.

The hospital administration now wants the neonatal section expanded and equipped to accommodate the increasing numbers of premature babies.

Mothers, patients and their caretakers seeking services at Kawolo Hospital are concerned over the situation in the maternal ward saying it risks lives. They told NBS TV that medical workers are forced to remove mothers off beds in favour of those turning up under the most critical conditions. Dr. Bbosa appealed for support including more workers and equipment to support the surge in numbers.

The State Minister in the Office of the Vice President also Buikwe District Woman Member of Parliament Diana Mutasingwa told NBS TV that her office was mobilizing resources to ensure the section is expanded. Mutasingwa cautioned health workers to act professionally while on duty.