Nine health facilities in Busia County have been awarded for provision of quality health care to the community, where Khunyangu Sub County Hospital in Butula Sub County emerged the best overall in the hospital category.
The institution was ranked top based on the assessment by the motivation committee, which focused on five key indicators monitored by World Bank funded project Transforming Health System (THS), initiated in 2017/2018.
The award presentation which consisted of certificates, trophies among other incentives was presided over by the Chief Officer in the Department of Health and Sanitation, Jonathan Ino on behalf of Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.
Ino noted that the main objective is to ensure that the key high impact indicators including skilled delivery and immunization is achieved to improve and cater for the health interests of the residents.
“Women who observe the recommended antenatal care visits as well as deliver in health facilities should also be considered for the awards,” said the Chief Officer.
Ino added that they have incorporated other stakeholders and key partners to foster health matters within the county.
“In a bid to ensure a holistic approach, the Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), village elders and other administrators should also be involved based on their participation,” he said.
The remarks were echoed by his Medical Services Counterpart Dr. Janerose Ambuchi who said the motivation event should be held annually for purposes of rewarding those who have excelled in various fields.
“People have reiterated that this is the initial motivating event, but they want it to be annual so that every year performers are rewarded,” she said, adding that it will depend on the available resources.
Alupe Hospital in Teso South Sub County was the 1st runners up, while Sio-Port in Samia emerged as the most improved facility.
Bumala B Health Facility in Butula was the best in Health Centres category, where Nasewa in Matayos Sub County and Amukura in Teso South were the 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.
At the dispensary category, Busagwa in Bunyala Sub County emerged the best in dispensaries followed by Malaba and Busibwabo facilities in Teso North and Matayos Sub Counties, which took the second and third positions respectively.
The Director Preventive and Promotive Services Dr. Melsah Lutomia said the goal was to ensure that health facilities and healthcare workers embrace a concept of competing among themselves for the sake of improving the performance.
“It is a challenge to other public hospitals that have not been awarded to put their best foot forward to improve the Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health indicators in the County,” she said.
The program also targets cancer screening, Family planning among other indicators that boost the health of the county residents.
By Salome Alwanda and Absalom Namwalo
