Kinyara Sugar Limited has commissioned a state-of-the-art maternity unit at Kinyara Health Centre III in Masindi District, in a move aimed at improving maternal and newborn healthcare services for communities in the area.
The Shs600 million facility comprises an operating theatre, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), high dependency unit (HDU), post-operative admission ward, doctors' room, procedure room, changing room for theatre staff, reception area and sanitary facilities.
The maternity unit was constructed by the Sarrai Group of Companies in honour of the late Sarjit Kaur Rai, the mother of the group's chairman.
The project has been welcomed by local leaders, health workers and residents, who say it will significantly improve access to quality maternal healthcare and reduce referrals for emergency obstetric services.
Moses Kabira, Human Resource Manager at Kinyara Sugar Limited, said the investment reflects the company's commitment to improving the welfare of both its employees and surrounding communities through corporate social responsibility programmes in health, education and other sectors.
Health officials said the new maternity wing addresses a longstanding gap that had discouraged many expectant mothers from delivering at the health facility.
"We received more than 1,000 mothers for antenatal care in the previous quarter, but only 63 deliveries were conducted," said Dr Enock Mbayo, the officer in charge of Kinyara Health Centre III.
He explained that although many women attended antenatal clinics, they chose to deliver elsewhere because the facility lacked an operating theatre capable of handling emergency Caesarean sections.
"With the construction of this facility, we hope more mothers will choose to deliver here because they know they can receive comprehensive maternity services without being referred," Mbayo said.
Masindi Assistant District Health Officer Patrick Baguma said the new unit has brought quality maternal healthcare closer to the people.
"The health workers here are the same professionals serving at Masindi Hospital. The services offered here are of the same standard," Baguma said.
He urged residents to utilise the facility and pledged continued district support through supervision and provision of medical equipment as authorities work towards upgrading Kinyara Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status.
Baguma also encouraged health workers to promote normal deliveries whenever medically appropriate, reserving Caesarean sections for cases where they are medically necessary.
Kinyara Sugar Limited Chief Executive Officer Ravi Ramalingam said the project demonstrates the Sarrai Group's commitment to supporting communities where it operates.
He said the maternity unit will benefit both the surrounding communities and employees of Kinyara Sugar Limited.
"This is our contribution to the people of Masindi in memory of Sarjit Kaur Rai. We shall continue supporting this facility and our dream is to see it grow into a fully fledged hospital," Ramalingam said.
Kabango Town Council LCIII Chairperson Richard Oyomtho described the facility as a major milestone in improving maternal healthcare.
"I know the long journeys to Masindi or Kampala for simple surgical procedures. I know of mothers who worry about delivering in facilities without adequate emergency backup. I know of families that have lost loved ones simply because they could not access timely and affordable surgery. I can say with confidence that this narrative ends now," Oyomtho said.
He praised Kinyara Sugar Limited for investing beyond its core business.
"In an era where corporate profit often takes precedence, Kinyara Sugar Limited has proven that it values saving lives, investing in quality community healthcare and protecting the communities that provide labour and raw materials to the factory. This is a sustainable way of strengthening the bond between the company and the community," he said.
Bujenje County MP Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha said the health centre already attracts patients from neighbouring districts because of the quality of services it offers, but noted that many residents in Masindi still underutilise the facility.
"People are suffering silently in the villages yet these services are available here. Many only come when their conditions have deteriorated," he said.
Masindi District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi, who presided over the commissioning ceremony, pledged continued collaboration with the facility's management to improve healthcare services and support efforts to upgrade the health centre.
"We are grateful for this facility and other community support programmes by Kinyara Sugar Limited. Your contribution to health, agriculture, business and community development initiatives is highly commendable," Wobusobozi said.
