Residents of Teso South are still waiting for essential hospital services as an uninstalled X-ray machine and an incomplete mortuary come under scrutiny from the Busia County Assembly.
Alupe Sub County Hospital in Busia County is yet to operationalise its long-awaited X-ray machine, while a 24-capacity mortuary remains incomplete hence making residents to raise concerns over delays in the delivery of essential health services.
The two projects came under scrutiny when the County Assembly’s Committee on Health and Sanitation visited the facility to assess their status following concerns raised by residents.
The delays have prompted residents of Teso South Sub County to petition the Assembly, seeking intervention to ensure the hospital can provide diagnostic services and complete the mortuary project.
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Supplier payment dispute delays X ray installation
Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Loice Ohenga told the committee that the X ray machine had not been installed because the supplier, who is Milesteps Ltd, wanted upfront payment before proceeding with installation, commissioning and staff training.
“Chair, the supplier for this X Ray machine now wants upfront payment before installing it and even training our staff,” Ohenga said.
She attributed the stalemate to difficulties experienced during the initial payment process, adding that the supplier was in discussions with the Department of Health to resolve the outstanding issues.
The prolonged delay has raised concerns among residents who rely on Alupe Hospital for healthcare services.
In their petition, residents said the machine had remained uninstalled for years despite an earlier petition presented to the Assembly in 2023 by the Teso South Elders Council.
They called for urgent intervention, arguing that the hospital’s failure to offer X-ray services forces patients to travel to Busia for examinations, increasing the cost and inconvenience of accessing healthcare.
The residents also raised concerns over the potential loss of public resources tied up in equipment that remains unused.
They want the machine operationalised so the hospital can provide the service and generate revenue through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Mortuary stalls despite refrigeration equipment
The committee also examined the stalled mortuary project, which has a capacity of 24 bodies.
Although 24 modern refrigeration units have been installed, the facility remains incomplete as it awaits essential mechanical and infrastructural works.
These include the installation of three phase electricity, construction of an access road and provision of a reliable power backup system.
Hospital Administrator Lynda Isapuke told the committee that the tender for the remaining works had been advertised last year but attracted no bids.
She attributed the lack of interest to the low value quoted for the project, which may have discouraged prospective contractors from submitting bids.
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The petitioners urged the Assembly to facilitate the completion of the mortuary, arguing that a Level Four hospital requires an adequately equipped facility to accommodate bodies and serve the surrounding community.
The delays leave the hospital with an incomplete mortuary despite the installation of refrigeration equipment intended for the facility.
The facility visit was led by Health and Sanitation Committee Chairperson Dalmas Onjole, alongside Peter Tallam.
The committee is expected to compile its findings and recommendations in a report to be tabled before the House for debate and further action.
The report is expected to inform the Assembly’s next steps in addressing the concerns surrounding the two projects.
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