Tororo Hospital is set to improve its emergency response capacity as a multi-billion-shilling staff housing project nears completion within the hospital premises.
The multi-storey housing units, being constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade at a cost of over Shs2 billion, are now about 90 percent complete and are expected to be commissioned by the end of June.
The project is funded through compensation from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project after the hospital’s former staff quarters were demolished to pave way for railway construction.
According to Tororo District Chairperson John Okea, the absence of staff accommodation at the hospital has significantly affected service delivery, particularly during emergency cases requiring immediate medical attention.
“None of the hospital staff are living within the hospital ever since our staff quarters were demolished after being affected by SGR construction,” Okea said.
Once completed, the facility will accommodate at least 16 critical health workers. District leaders say this will improve response times, especially during night emergencies when delays can be fatal.
Tororo District Health Officer Dr Onyango Jagire said having health workers within the hospital vicinity is essential for effective 24-hour service delivery.
“A hospital is a 24-hour facility which should be operating at all times, and for that to happen we must have our staff within the vicinity of the facility for easy access. We can't wait to have them here,” he said.
Although the hospital has more than 100 staff members, only a small number will benefit from the initial housing units. This has raised concerns among leaders, who are calling for a fair and transparent allocation process prioritising frontline medical workers.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Albert Amula urged hospital management to ensure that critical staff are given first consideration.
“We call upon the hospital board to ensure that critical staff are the ones allocated houses here,” he said.
Leaders also cautioned against corruption and absenteeism, stressing that improved staff welfare must be matched with professionalism and accountability in patient care.
Jackson Oboth, chairperson of the Hospital Management Board, said mechanisms are being strengthened to improve accountability and discipline within the facility.
“I have started giving out my phone numbers for proper communication so that we can identify staff involved in mistreating patients. This is a government facility and we shall not tolerate such conduct,” he said.
Authorities say the housing project is expected to not only improve the welfare of health workers but also significantly enhance healthcare delivery and emergency response at Tororo General Hospital.