Parental neglect hampers child healthcare at Alik HCIII, Lira

18 December 2025, 13:52

By Winnie Auma

Sixty per cent of children seeking medical attention at Alik HCIII in Wiodyek Sub county, Lira District, go without attendants.

According to Moses Otim, the Secretary for Education for Lira District, this was discovered recently during his visit to several health facilities to monitor ongoing projects.

Otim said he found a six-year-old boy at the facility, with medical staff struggling to understand his condition. This makes it difficult for such children to receive proper care, and he emphasised that parents and relatives should always accompany their children to health centres for proper guidance.

He expressed dismay that data from the facility indicates most children seeking services go without attendants, as some parents mistakenly believe government hospitals operate this way.

Otim said the problem makes it difficult for health workers to complete their tasks on time, as some end up acting as attendants for the sick children, adding that the situation is occurring in other health facilities across the district.

He attributed the problem to poor parenting and the belief that government health facilities should care for sick children even in the absence of their parents.

Otim expressed dismay, noting that this indicates many parents, particularly in rural areas, do not prioritise providing their children with basic needs, despite it being their responsibility.

He added that they will begin working with Community Development Officers in the various subcounties to sensitise parents on the importance of accompanying their children when seeking health services and fulfilling other parental duties.