By KT Reporter
Leaders in Amuru District have issued an urgent appeal for emergency medical supplies following a devastating fire that gutted Atiak Health Center IV, leaving the facility without essential medicines. The fire, which broke out at around 2 a.m. on Saturday, destroyed the health facility’s main drug store, reducing large stocks of medicines and other critical medical supplies to ashes.
Dr Angelo Oceng, the In charge of Atiak Health Center IV told Uganda Radio Network over the weekend that the incidence has left the health facility in crisis with hundreds of patients likely to miss out on proper medical treatment. Dr. Oceng noted that the health facility had just received drugs and medical supplies delivered by National Medical stores which were to be supplied to the various departments by today.
He particularly said HIV patients who needed urgent refill of their medicines today may be delayed due to lack of Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Oceng appealed to the district leaders to push for an emergency supply of medicines to the health facility from the Health Ministry to replenish the lost stocks. Michael Lakony, the Amuru district LCV Chairperson said they made a resolution over the weekend to allow the health facility borrow medicines internally from other lower health centers to prevent a full scale health crisis.
“We are borrowing from other health centers as an emergency to bail out especially clients that are reporting today (Monday). These clients cannot leave without the drugs because any laxity or delay will cost the lives of people,” said Lakony.
Lakony noted that the health department is preparing its report for presentation to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of health for an emergency supply of drugs to the health center that is expected to be submitted by close of Monday.
He however faulted some staff at the Health facility over negligence to report earlier about challenges of short circuit that was being experienced at the drug store. Dr Alfred Okello, the Amuru District Health Officer said Monday his office had notified the Health Ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister about the fire incident and also made requisition for an emergency supply of medicines.
Over the weekend, security personnel commenced investigation into the cause of the fire which is suspected to have been as a result of short circuit following electricity fluctuation. At least three staff at the Health facility have been detained at Atiak Police Station to aid the investigation. The suspects include the Health facility’s watchman, the drug store keeper and his supervisor-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
