Lira, (UG):- The Minister of Health who doubled as Lira City Woman MP Dr Jane Aceng Ochero has commissioned the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Ambulance and an Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
The commission took place Thursday, July 04, along which the minister inspected the progress on construction work of the inaugurated cutting-edge Emergency Operation Theatre ward, Oxygen plant and Ambulance Call and Dispatch Centre which is underway at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr Aceng speaking at the site, said the ICU Ambulance will help in referring patients in critical condition for specialist treatment at Mulago National Hospital.
“Due to limited resources, the Ministry of Health we are able to start with a few Ambulances and plan to buy more with time. Am sure this Specialized ambulance will provide urgent care and transport for critically ill patients, offering safe and comfortable transportation during life-threatening situations,” Aceng said.
These Ambulances are currently available at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
“The Ambulance Call and Dispatch Centre is set for completion in August 2024 and will enable rapid ambulance services across all Lango districts through a centralized communication system.
With the Oxygen Plant this too will be completed in August 2024 whereas the Laboratory will be ready in September 2024,” Aceng adds.
Dr Aceng later proceeded to launch a two-day Lango Regional Health Camp that has drawn officials of all Local Governments in the Lango sub-region and other stakeholders at Margarita Palace Hotel in Lira.
Speaking to participants, Dr Aceng announced that the Health Ministry plans to commence construction of the Lira Regional Blood Bank and renovation works at Apac General Hospital which its funds have been secured already for these projects.
Dr Nathan Onyaci, the Hospital Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital said the Health camp is meant to create awareness of services at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr Onyaci however said the hospital still has challenges of understaffing and encroachers who want to grab the hospital land.
Alebtong LC5 chairperson who doubled as Chairperson of all LC5 and Mayors in Lango Dicken Kennedy Odongo louded Dr Aceng for ensuring the health of the people in the country is secure.
He noted that as Lango they have seen tangible output in Lango in the sector that happened because of the efforts by Minister of Health, Dr Jane Aceng.
“The significant investments announced today signal a new era in healthcare for Lango has improved. accessibility and quality of care for the entire community have equally improved. Thanks to Dr Jane Aceng for the great work without political boundaries,” Odongo said.
