LRRH given two weeks to explain the non-dispensation of drugs

15 August 2024, 1:14 am

By Denish Ongora

The Parliamentary Committee on Health has given Lira Regional Referral Hospital a two-week ultimatum to explain why some drugs have not been dispensed to patients admitted to the facility. The committee’s vice chairperson, who also serves as the MP for Kole North, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, is currently leading the team to Lango and Karamoja to assess health service delivery among the local population.

At Lira Regional Referral Hospital, the committee discovered that inpatients were being given drugs without the Government of Uganda inscription, while the drugs in the dispensary carry government markings. This suggests that the unlabelled drugs were sourced from elsewhere.

In a meeting held in the hospital boardroom, Dr. Opio Acuti instructed the administrators of Lira Regional Referral Hospital to submit a report to the committee explaining the origin of the unlabelled drugs. Dr. Opio mentioned that there have been reports of locals being asked to purchase drugs from outside the hospital, despite the facility having drugs in stock.

Meanwhile, some of the challenges identified at the hospital include inadequate space in the dispensary and maternity ward, insufficient beds, and staff absenteeism—where it was discovered that staff in the X-ray department had missed work for two days, despite all equipment being available to serve patients. Other issues include dilapidated structures and inadequate wards.

On the other hand, some of the notable developments at the health facility include the dialysis and radiology machines, as well as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), all of which are functioning well. The principal administrator of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Okello Peter Odeke, stated that they will prepare a report on drug dispensation and submit it to the Parliamentary Health Committee.

However, he highlighted challenges such as low staffing levels, delayed drug supplies, inadequate facilities, and poor infrastructure as issues they are currently grappling with.

Col. Dr. Victoria Nekesa, an Army MP, urged the hospital administrators to ensure effective service delivery and to maintain good sanitation and hygiene at the hospital.

Dr. George Bhoka, the MP for Obongi county, urged the authorities at Lira Regional Referral Hospital to conduct mass sensitisation campaigns to encourage people to seek early healthcare, thereby reducing the cost of treating complicated and advanced illnesses.