Minister Baryomunsi Pledges Upgrade for Kashambya HCIII, More Support for Itojo Hospital

The Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has pledged to improve health infrastructure and address staffing and equipment shortages at Itojo General Hospital in Ntungamo District and Kashambya Health Centre III in Rukiga District following an assessment of service delivery at the two government health facilities.

Earlier on Sunday, Dr Baryomunsi visited Kashambya Health Centre III in Rukiga District after concerns about the facility were raised by area Members of Parliament Patrick Katabaazi and Dr Sylvia Arinaitwe.

The minister found health workers on duty despite the facility operating from ageing structures, which he said require urgent reconstruction.

Dr Baryomunsi said the Ministry of Health will mobilise resources to rebuild the health centre, noting that the facility serves a large population and covers a wide geographical area.

He added that Kashambya Health Centre III deserves to be upgraded to a Health Centre IV to improve access to essential health services in the area.

Later in the afternoon, the minister conducted an impromptu inspection at Itojo General Hospital in Ntungamo District as part of his continued nationwide assessment of health service delivery.

At the hospital, he found most health workers on duty, although he noted that some reported after learning of his arrival.

Dr Baryomunsi said the hospital is undergoing renovation but still requires additional infrastructure, particularly a dedicated paediatric ward, to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.

He commended the hospital’s laboratory for operating 24 hours a day, describing it as one of the facility’s key strengths.

However, some patients complained about the conduct of a section of health workers, accusing them of being rude while attending to patients.

The minister said the ministry would take action against health workers found mistreating patients, stressing that professionalism and respectful treatment of patients are non-negotiable.

He also identified several urgent needs at the hospital, including an X-ray machine, a new generator, an oxygen plant and more specialist doctors.

Dr Baryomunsi pledged that the ministry will work to address the identified gaps as resources become available, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services across the country.