Ugandan health care 'continues to face pressure'
26/06/2009
Uganda's health facilities are increasingly struggling to cope with demand, claims a local hospital official.
IRIN reports that Ahmad Matovu, a hospital superintendent in Kayunga, explained that a lack of funding and staff means care levels are falling dramatically.
Mr Matovu stressed that the hospital is around 40 per cent understaffed with three doctors instead of seven.
Although funding is provided to the hospital, Mr Matovu claims it often fails to take into account the increasing cost of items such as fuel and drugs. Therefore, there is little in the budget for vital hospital renovations and improvements.
A recent parliamentary committee report revealed that the condition of hospitals throughout the country is below acceptable standards.
"The level of dilapidation around and within the health centres at all levels was shocking," Nvumetta Kavuma, the committee chairperson, told IRIN.
According to the Monitor, there are plans to build a new hospital facility in the city of Jinja to boost healthcare provision. 
