Maternal deaths surge amid resource shortages at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital
Masaka Regional Referral Hospital is grappling with a severe maternal health crisis, with 52 mothers losing their lives in 2024 due to critical shortages in hospital resources.
This marks a significant rise from the 38 maternal deaths reported in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare services in the region.
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Dr. Herbert Kalema, a gynecologist at the hospital, attributes the increasing maternal deaths to a lack of essential hospital resources, inadequate medical staff, and severe transport deficiencies.
He noted that many expectant mothers delay seeking hospital care due to the absence of nearby facilities, arriving in critical condition when it is often too late for life-saving interventions.
Masaka General Hospital currently operates with just 269 staff members, far below the required 1,119, placing immense strain on the available medical personnel and compromising the quality of care.
The facility also faces a dire shortage of essential equipment, including assistive devices, ICU facilities, and necessary medications.
Dr. Kalema also pointed out that many expectant mothers fail to attend necessary prenatal care appointments and neglect to take prescribed medications, contributing to a rise in stillbirths and premature births.
The lack of preventative care further exacerbates the mortality rates in the region.
Financial constraints have significantly hindered the hospital's ability to address these challenges.
Charles Tumushiime, the Head of Operations, reported that despite a budget allocation of shs1.3 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, the hospital's needs are estimated at shs3.7 billion .
The funding gap has resulted in a shortage of vital resources, severely impacting patient care.
In response to the escalating crisis, Dr. Martin Ssendyona, Commissioner from the Ministry of Health, attended a recent meeting to address the issues.
He assured that the government would take immediate steps to resolve the shortages but warned that medical staff neglectful of their duties would face legal consequences.
The ongoing health crisis at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure that essential medical services are adequately equipped and accessible to save lives.
