Speaker Anita Among has reassured the public of the government’s dedication to prioritizing public healthcare to enhance service delivery.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the official launch of a medical camp at Bukedea Comprehensive School, Among emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to bring healthcare closer to the people.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Bukedea District Local Government and the Anita Foundation.
A Dream Come True for Public Healthcare
“I thank God that today our dream has come true,” Speaker Among said. She highlighted Parliament’s unwavering support for the Ministry of Health in improving healthcare.
“I love issues of health, and I am happy we have brought health services nearer to the people. It has proven to be a people-centered health sector,” she added.
Among recently inaugurated Bukedea Teaching Hospital, a non-profit facility that complements government efforts by providing health services at subsidized costs.
Government’s Commitment to Health
Speaker Among noted that the NRM government has significantly prioritized health matters in recent years.
Initiatives include recruiting more specialized health professionals, improving medics’ welfare, and ensuring adequate medical supplies.
“As leaders, we are called to support government efforts and serve humanity. Let us continue to serve communities,” she urged.
Commendation for Bringing Services Closer
Dr. Ben Watmon, Chairperson of the health camp organizing committee and director of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, praised Speaker Among for bridging the gap in healthcare access.
“In most cases, health workers wait for patients in health facilities, but in many cases, patients can’t reach them. You [Speaker] have brought the services closer, and this bridges the gap,” Dr. Watmon said.
Life-Saving Opportunities for Patients
For many patients, the health camp offers a lifeline. Juliet Akayo, a resident of Magoro sub-county in Katakwi District, shared her gratitude.
Akayo, diagnosed with cervical cancer in Soroti, could not afford treatment in Kampala. “This is a chance for me to meet doctors from the Uganda Cancer Institute and get treatment at no cost,” she said.
Diverse Specialists Join the Health Camp
The medical camp, which runs until Friday, January 25, 2025, has drawn health specialists from several key institutions. These include:
- Mulago National Referral Hospital
- Uganda Heart Institute (UHI)
- Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services
- Uganda Red Cross Society
- Uganda AIDS Commission
- Kiruddu, Kawempe, Mbale, and Soroti hospitals
Parliamentary Support for the Initiative
Members of Parliament on the Committee on Health, led by their Chairperson, Hon. Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, also participated in the health camp, underscoring their commitment to supporting such initiatives.
The event marks a significant step forward in addressing healthcare challenges and ensuring accessible services for underserved communities.
