By The Insight Post Uganda
Mukono-Uganda
A new medical store has recently been constructed at Mukono general hospital to cater for the needs of the growing population. However, concerns about the transparency of drug management and inventory control have arisen among the district leaders.
To address these issues, the hospital management has been tasked with installing CCTV cameras in the new medical store.
Led by Fatumah Ndisaba, the Resident District Commissioner, her deputy, Mike Ssegawa and the LC5 Chairperson, Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the leaders believe that the installation of CCTV cameras will enhance transparency and accountability in drug management.
They want to ensure that the quantity of drugs received is accurately recorded, and dispatched to relevant departments and that only authorized personnel are granted access to the stores.
They further emphasize that CCTV cameras are an essential tool to monitor and support the management’s efforts to maintain the highest standards of healthcare.
The hospital management has acknowledged the importance of transparency in drug management and vowed to comply with the district leaders’ directive.
The two parties recognize the significance of the medical store in providing quality healthcare services to the people of Mukono and the surrounding areas.
Gabikan Engineering Limited was contracted to construct a new medical store, complete with a kitchen equipped with a three-in-one saving stove, a walkway to the incinerator, and a 10,000-litre water tank with fire-fighting equipment.
The construction was funded by the government at a cost of Ugx296,000,000.
However, the commissioning of the facility comes at the time when the facility managers are in limelight for allegedly extorting money from patients for services.
Various allegations popped up just two weeks ago during a courtesy visit by the Inspector General of Government, Betty Namisango Kamya.
In response to these accusations, Rev. Bakaluba, has called for the installation of CCTV cameras in the medical stores.
The cameras will promote transparency by accurately recording the quantity of drugs received and dispatched to various departments, as well as capturing footage of individuals accessing the stores.
Ndisaba requested that the hospital management prioritize transparency and their commitment to saving lives as they consider the installation of cameras at the centre.
Dr. Geoffrey Kasirye, the Medical Superintendent, stated that the installation of the camera system would be considered during the installation of air conditioners in the room designated as the cold room for specific drugs. After this, it will be linked to the facility’s general camera system.
Dr. Kasirye expressed his gratitude to the government for financing the construction of the medical store. He believes that it will improve the safety and accessibility of drugs.
Previously, the hospital stored some drugs at district stores due to a lack of storage space, resulting in additional transportation costs. However, the new medical store will allow for all drugs to be delivered to the hospital store at once.
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