Patients in Tororo are turning to private healthcare centers as the district experiences drug stock-outs in many of its government health facilities. The district last received medical supplies in November 2023, leading to a shortage that has impacted public health services.
Tororo District LC5 chairperson, John Okeya, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that seeking health services in private facilities is an expensive alternative for many residents. He attributed the persistent stock-out issue to the increased number of patients visiting healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for a revised budget to address the growing population.
Okeya highlighted that the budget allocated by the National Drug Authority (NDA) for Tororo was made a decade ago when the population was around 500,000. However, the current population has surpassed 800,000, and healthcare facilities are also serving communities from neighboring districts and western parts of Kenya.
Tororo District Health Officer, Dr. Okoth Obbo, confirmed that the last medical supplies were received in November 2023. He refuted claims of medical staff hoarding supplies, emphasizing the need for an updated budget to address the healthcare demands.
During the official commissioning of an ambulance for Mulanda Health Centre IV, Defense State Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth presided over the occasion. Minister Oboth addressed the persistent stock-out issue, stating that the government is working on measures to ensure consistent supply to all government healthcare facilities. He urged communities and local leaders to be vigilant against theft of medical supplies.
Minister Oboth also cautioned against the misuse of the ambulance, emphasizing adherence to the government’s ban on using ambulances for transporting dead bodies. He underscored that the delivery of the ambulance aligns with the NRM manifesto’s commitment to improving health service delivery.
