Health workers at Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV in Mityana District have raised concerns over the difficult conditions under which they are expected to deliver healthcare services, citing inadequate infrastructure, staff shortages, limited medical equipment, and overwhelming workloads that continue to affect service delivery.
The concerns were raised during an inspection by political leaders from different parts of Ssekanyonyi Sub-county, who toured the facility to assess its condition and engage with both health workers and patients.
The inspection revealed that the health centre is operating under significant pressure. Existing buildings are too small to accommodate the growing number of patients, medical equipment is insufficient, and the infrastructure has deteriorated, making it increasingly difficult for staff to perform their duties effectively.
Several health workers, including Sarah Nakayiza, a laboratory technician; Jamiah Nansubuga, a nursing officer; Joseph Miyingo, a health educator; and Dr. John Yawe, the medical officer in charge, shared firsthand accounts of the challenges they face while serving the community.
"We are committed to serving our patients, but the conditions are becoming increasingly difficult. We need more space, additional staff, and better equipment if we are to provide the quality healthcare our communities deserve," said Dr. Yawe.
The workers explained that the heavy workload has left many of them physically and emotionally exhausted. They noted that long working hours, limited staffing, and increasing patient numbers have created immense pressure, sometimes exposing them to frustration from patients and their attendants.
One health worker recounted an incident in which a colleague was assaulted while on duty, while another reportedly developed a serious health condition linked to prolonged work-related stress.
"We love our profession and remain dedicated to caring for our patients, but we also need support. Without improving our working conditions, it becomes difficult to deliver services at the standard people expect," another worker said.
The Mityana District Health Officer, Vincent Kawooya, acknowledged the concerns, describing the state of the facility as worrying. He pointed to cracked walls, a deteriorating ceiling, damaged floors, and an operating theatre that no longer meets required standards for safe surgical procedures.
"Some of the buildings have deteriorated significantly. The operating theatre, in particular, requires urgent attention because it is no longer suitable for modern healthcare services," Kawooya said.
Political leaders who visited the facility commended health workers for their continued dedication despite the challenging circumstances, noting that their commitment has helped sustain services even with limited resources.
Mityana District Chairperson Joseph Luzige assured staff that the district leadership recognizes the challenges facing the facility and pledged to engage relevant authorities to find lasting solutions.
"Our health workers deserve a safe and supportive working environment. As district leaders, we shall engage the responsible authorities to ensure these infrastructure and staffing challenges receive the attention they deserve," Luzige said.
Leaders also emphasized that improving health infrastructure, recruiting additional medical personnel, and equipping health facilities are critical to ensuring quality healthcare services for communities.
Health workers reiterated their commitment to serving patients but appealed for urgent government intervention, warning that continued neglect could further undermine healthcare delivery in the area.