“Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to supporting the Ugandan government in achieving its goal of universal health coverage”.
It was with these words that Dr. Peter Lochoro, the CUAMM Country Representative in Uganda, began his speech at yesterday’s handover ceremony of two brand new ambulances to support Abim hospital and Nabilatuk health center IV in Karamoja Sub-region.
“This intervention would go a long away in improving maternal and child health in Karamoja. The ambulances will bridge the transport gap that was contributing to maternal deaths in the region”, he claimed.
The ambulances, provided with funding from the Embassy of Ireland, are part of the current broader project implemented by Doctors with Africa CUAMM: “Strengthening district health systems for improved access to and utilization of quality reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) integrated services in Karamoja”.
“These ambulances will help to address one of the critical challenges facing the healthcare system in Karamoja – the lack of adequate transportation. Women in labour and sick children can be transported quickly and safely to health facilities, where they can receive the care they need” added Dr. Peter Lochoro.
It is precisely thanks to ambulance referral and the transport voucher system supported by the project that today Narika can tell her story and that of her child. The second baby she was pregnant with was not in the correct position at the time of delivery. The health workers tried their best at the HC but failed to deliver the baby. Therefore, they immediately called an ambulance to refer Narika to Kotido General Hospital for emergency surgery.
“I was worried that I was going to die because I was feeling too tired with no hope of making it here – said Narika -. My husband and I did not have money to pay the ambulance and this worried me most. We were however told that the ambulance was for free and this restored my hope. I am glad I survived”.
The handover ceremony was done through the Ministry of Health of Uganda and officiated by the Minister for general duties, Hon. Hanifa Kawooya, in the presence of HE Kevin Colgan, the ambassador of Ireland to Uganda, CUAMM staff, MoH officials and representatives from the districts of Abim and Nabilatuk.
Where resources are scarce, the distance to services is great and the needs are many, timely referral can make a difference to the lives of many people.
