Over 5,000 residents of Amukura West Ward in Teso South Sub County have a reason to smile following the operationalisation of Okwata Dispensary.
The facility which was officially commissioned by Busia Governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, is set to benefit thousands of residents who have been trekking several kilometers to neighbouring health facilities to access medical services.
Speaking to the locals at the facility during the launch, Ojaamong noted that his government remains committed in ensuring the attainment of universal health coverage is attained in the county.
He added that the dispensary will provide basic primary healthcare services, emphasizing the need for residents to seek treatment at the facility.
“Our core objective in opening the facility is to ensure that much needed health services are rendered to the residents in efforts to address the health challenges. I challenge the community to embrace it and provide support where necessary,” he said.
“My government will purchase more land for expansion of the facility as well as address infrastructural issues,” the Governor added.
The Governor was was accompanied by the Chief Officer Medical Services, Dr Isaac Omeri, Agriculture Executive, Dr Moses Osia, Chief of Staff, Robert Papa, and the County Health Administrator, Ali Atemba, during the function.
Residents expressed gratitude to the Governor for opening the facility, adding that services have been brought closer to the people.
“Apart from addressing difficulties in transport and cost of medication, the facility will reduce cases of young girls being misused on the way as they seek treatment,” said John Kombe, who spoke on behalf of the youth.
Dr Omeri said the opening of the facility is in line with the World Health Organisations standards of having health facilities closer to the population within a radius of 5km.
“The aim of Busia Governor’s Government is to bring services closer to the people in compliance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines,” he said.
The facility will provide basic primary healthcare services among them immunisation, control of endemic diseases like HIV/AIDs and Malaria. It will also offer health education on maternal child services, nutrition and sanitation, as well alleviate most of the health challenges experienced in the area.
The sentiments were echoed by the representative of women, Selina Etyang, who said the commitment displayed by the Governor in terms of development has given them the motivation to support him in his political ambitions.
Omeri added that, the realisation of the project is in line with Busia Governor’s manifesto of revolutionising the health sector for the benefit of residents across the county.
“Okwata is the fourth dispensary that we have opened in Teso South Sub County. Among other plans is to open Aturet,” he said, adding that the process of upgrading Amukura Health Centre to level 4 is ongoing with the construction of a modern block at the facility.
The facility which had been constructed by the defunct local authority over 20 years ago, was renovated by the Busia County Government and equipped with drugs and medical equipment.
The dispensaries will ease pressure on health centres and the Busia County Referral Hospital (BCRH).
By Absalom Namwalo
