The State House Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) has revealed critical deficiencies in Kumi District’s health service delivery, citing severe understaffing, infrastructure challenges, extortion, and resistance to digitization as key issues undermining patient care.
During a three-week field assessment led by Dr Juliana Nabatanzi, the HMU identified that Kumi operates with only 40% of its required health workforce, resulting in delayed services and overcrowded facilities.
“We are calling on the relevant ministries and Parliament to allocate more wage resources to enable recruitment,” Dr. Nabatanzi told stakeholders at a community *baraza* that concluded the exercise.
The team also reported worrying lapses in staff accountability, including poor attendance, lack of uniforms and name tags, and confirmed cases of extortion at Atutur Hospital.
One senior consultant has already been handed over to authorities for disciplinary action.
Digital transformation efforts have also met resistance. Many health workers reportedly shun the Electronic Medical Records system, which the HMU says is vital for efficiency and continuity of care.
Meanwhile, misuse of Primary Health Care funds—often diverted to meetings and personal allowances—has left facilities without basic tools like delivery kits and blood pressure monitors.
Although medicine supply from National Medical Stores was largely commended, Dr Nabatanzi raised alarm over the location and capacity of several Health Centre IIs, recommending they be upgraded to better serve rapidly growing communities, especially maternal health cases.
Despite these setbacks, the HMU praised the district health leadership for their coordination efforts and urged unity among political leaders.
“Eighty percent of these issues can be resolved at the district level,” Dr. Nabatanzi affirmed. “With teamwork and accountability, Kumi can transform its health delivery system.”
The findings underscore broader national concerns about public service delivery and the urgent need for reforms at both local and central government levels.