Kitgum General Hospital’s new medical store is nearly complete but remains behind schedule, with the contractor yet to hand over the over 732 million shilling facility to the hospital.
Thomas Ojok, the Kitgum General Hospital Administrator, said the store, a government project supported by the Global Fund, is about 90 percent complete, but it should have been handed over in October 2025.
“The medical store is behind schedule. It is almost at 90 percent completion, but it is very much behind schedule because this store would have been handed over last year in October,” Ojok said.
He said the contractor, Margron Investment Limited, has not provided a clear explanation for the delay or completed the remaining works to allow the hospital to take possession of the facility.
Ojok said the delay is affecting the hospital’s ability to properly store medicines because the existing drug storage facilities have limited capacity.
“As a result, the storage capacity of the current stores we have is now very restricted,” he said.
He said the new facility would provide adequate space and a better environment for storing medicines and maintaining their quality.
“We feel that when this thing is handed over, we can store our drugs properly because the spaces are large, and that is a very good environment to maintain the potency of our drugs in the hospital,” Ojok said.
The hospital currently relies on two smaller drug stores, one constructed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and another built by the Government several years ago.
Ojok said both facilities are inadequate compared to the new store under construction.
“The two drug stores are smaller if you look at them compared to this one,” he said.
Ojok said hospital authorities are aware of the delay and efforts are being made to contact the contractor to have the outstanding works completed.
“The authorities are aware, and all possible initiatives are being undertaken to get in contact with the contractor, Margron Investment Limited,” he said.
The administrator said completing and handing over the facility would help the hospital improve medicine storage and reduce congestion in the existing stores.
The delay comes as the hospital continues to provide services to a large population in Kitgum and neighbouring areas, increasing the need for adequate infrastructure for the storage and management of essential medicines-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
