Kyenjojo General Hospital Commissions New UGX 700 Million Medical Stores Facility

Kyenjojo General Hospital has officially commissioned its newly constructed medical stores facility valued at UGX 700 million, marking a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare service delivery and improving the storage and management of essential medicines and medical supplies.

The new stores at the Kyenjojo General Hospital

The modern stores facility was constructed by Aswangah Construction Services Limited, under the Government of Uganda's commitment to improving health infrastructure across the country.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), Mr. Vincent Kyaligonza, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Thaddeo Kasaija, the Vice Chairperson LC V, Hon Grace Atuhaire, the District Health Officer (DHO), Dr. Bingi Christopher, the Hospital Board Chairperson, Rev. Kalyebara Stephen, the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Kyamanywa Barham, health workers, district technical staff and local leaders among others.

Officials at the official commissioning of the General Hospital Stores

Speaking during the ceremony, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Thaddeo Kasaija, commended the Government of Uganda for prioritizing investments in the health sector, noting that improved infrastructure is critical to enhancing service delivery. He urged the hospital management to ensure the facility is properly utilized and safeguarded.

"This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to improving healthcare services for our people. Let us protect this facility, maintain high standards of accountability, and ensure medicines are stored safely to guarantee quality healthcare for the people of Kyenjojo," he said.

The Vice Chairperson LC V described the commissioning as a milestone for the district's health sector, emphasizing that improved health infrastructure translates into better healthcare outcomes for communities.

"Quality healthcare begins with quality infrastructure. This new medical stores facility is a significant investment that will strengthen medicine management and ultimately improve service delivery. We thank the government for responding to the health needs of our people," she remarked.

She also thanked the medical team on the ground for the positive mindset in the hard conditions and requested them to be more responsive to the needs of the community now that they are in better working conditions. She also promised, together with the district leadership, to follow up on the Presidential pledge for funds to expand the hospital. She also thanked the contractor for delivering standard work in an era where substandard work is the new norm, and for always adjusting as requested during the site and inspection visits.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) applauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders that made the project a success. He noted that the new stores will greatly improve inventory management, reduce wastage of medicines, and create a more conducive environment for handling medical supplies.

"The district remains committed to supporting improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Proper storage of medicines is essential for maintaining quality, reducing losses, and ensuring patients receive timely treatment. We encourage the hospital management to uphold proper maintenance and accountability of this valuable public investment," the DCAO remarked.

The District Health Officer (DHO) highlighted the importance of the facility in ensuring compliance with national standards for medicine storage and pharmaceutical management.

"The availability of a modern medical stores facility will enhance stock management, preserve the quality of medicines, minimize expiries, and improve the efficiency of health service delivery. This is a major boost to our healthcare system," the DHO noted.

The Chairperson of the Hospital Board applauded the government and development partners for supporting the hospital's infrastructure development. He pledged the Board's commitment to ensuring proper oversight, maintenance, and effective utilization of the facility.

"As a Board, we shall continue to provide oversight to ensure that this facility serves its intended purpose for many years. We encourage all staff to embrace professionalism, accountability, and proper management of public resources," the Board Chairperson said.

He, however, decried the shortage of land for expansion of the hospital premises, and called upon the district leadership to fast-track the President’s pledge of funds to purchase more land for the hospital, and for the Private wing.

The Medical Superintendent expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda, Kyenjojo District Local Government, and all stakeholders for supporting the project. He noted that the new stores will significantly improve the hospital's capacity to safely store medicines and medical supplies, thereby enhancing patient care. He also reaffirmed management's commitment to maintaining the facility and ensuring it contributes to improved efficiency in hospital operations.

The commissioning of the new medical stores is expected to strengthen pharmaceutical logistics, improve stock control, reduce medicine losses, and support the continuous availability of essential medicines and medical supplies at Kyenjojo General Hospital.

The project forms part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to quality healthcare services for the people of Kyenjojo District.