Patients seeking treatment at Ntara Health Centre IV, the main referral facility in Kitagwenda District, are raising alarm over the deteriorating condition of hospital beds and poor hygiene at the facility.
A photograph obtained by our newsroom from one of the wards shows several beds in a deplorable state, with torn mattresses, exposed and dirty sponge, broken side rails and soiled beddings.
Some of the beds are reportedly damaged beyond use or can no longer be adjusted, raising concerns about the safety and comfort of patients, particularly mothers in labour, newly delivered mothers and critically ill patients.
Residents who rely on the health centre say the condition of the facility has deteriorated, with complaints ranging from poorly maintained beds and dirty wards to an overgrown compound.
They claim the bushy surroundings have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and snakes, further exposing patients and health workers to health risks.
“How can a Health Centre IV have beds like that? The mattresses are torn, the covers are dirty and smelling. You fear to catch more infections from the hospital than the sickness you came with,” one concerned resident said.
Another patient attendant appealed to district authorities to intervene urgently.
“The compound is bushy, the wards are not cleaned. We are calling upon the District Health Officer and the district leadership to come to our rescue,” the attendant said.
Ntara Health Centre IV serves residents from Ntara, Kanara, Nyabani, Kicheche and neighbouring sub-counties. The facility handles deliveries, admissions and emergency cases, making its condition a major concern for the communities that depend on it.
Residents say the poor state of the facility is discouraging some patients from seeking treatment there, with some reportedly turning to private clinics despite the financial burden.
They are now calling on Kitagwenda District Local Government and the Ministry of Health to urgently replace the damaged beds and mattresses, improve cleaning and sanitation, clear the overgrown compound and restore acceptable standards of care at the health centre.
Dr.Irene Kahimakazi the Kitagwenda district health officer said the facility administration led by the in charge Dr.Omia Fredrick is aware and is planning to address the plight.