Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has committed to improving healthcare services at Itojo General Hospital in Ntungamo District and Kashambya Health Centre III in Rukiga District after inspecting the two government health facilities and identifying major gaps in infrastructure, staffing and medical equipment.During his visit to Kashambya Health Centre III, Dr Baryomunsi responded to concerns raised by area Members of Parliament Patrick Katabaazi and Dr Sylvia Arinaitwe regarding the condition of the facility.
He found health workers on duty but observed that the health centre is operating from old and deteriorating buildings that require urgent reconstruction.The minister pledged that the Ministry of Health will mobilise resources to rebuild the ageing facility, noting that it serves a large population spread across a wide geographical area. He also said the government will push for the upgrade of Kashambya Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV to improve access to critical healthcare services.Later, Dr Baryomunsi made an unannounced visit to Itojo General Hospital in Ntungamo District as part of his ongoing nationwide inspections aimed at assessing the quality of healthcare delivery in public health facilities. He found that most health workers were present, although he noted that some reported to work after learning about his visit.The minister observed that while renovation works are underway at the hospital, more investment is still needed to meet the increasing demand for medical services.
Among the priority projects he identified was the construction of a dedicated paediatric ward to strengthen healthcare for children.Dr Baryomunsi praised the hospital’s laboratory for maintaining round-the-clock operations, describing the 24-hour service as one of the institution’s strongest achievements in ensuring patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment.Despite the positive findings, several patients expressed dissatisfaction with the behaviour of some health workers, accusing them of treating patients disrespectfully. The minister warned that any staff found mistreating patients would face disciplinary action, insisting that professionalism, courtesy and quality service must remain central to public healthcare.
He further identified critical shortages at the hospital, including the lack of an X-ray machine, a reliable generator, an oxygen plant and additional specialist doctors. Dr Baryomunsi assured residents that the Ministry of Health will work to address the challenges as funding becomes available, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening health services across Uganda.
