The PAC report revealed that Jinja Hospital’s maternal mortality ratio is 777 per 100,000 live births, far exceeding the national figure of 189 per 100,000 live births. Dr. Apio urged Parliament to prioritise this issue and investigate the underlying causes of the high death toll.
Parliament has called for a thorough investigation into the shockingly high maternal mortality rates at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, which surpass the national average. This call was made by Oyam District Woman MP, Dr. Eunice Apio Otuko, during a debate on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on referral hospitals and specialised health institutions.
Oyam District Woman MP, Dr. Eunice Apio Otuko
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"This is a serious concern. I propose that we focus on this issue and find the root cause of these alarming figures," said Dr. Apio.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who chaired the session on Tuesday, September 24, asked the Health Committee to fast-track the investigation, noting that it was timely ahead of Parliament's budget process. Tayebwa emphasised the need for sectoral committees to closely review accountability reports for critical issues that could shape budgetary decisions.
Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi
Pulse Live Uganda
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The PAC report, presented by Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, highlighted significant shortcomings in health service delivery across Uganda’s referral hospitals and specialised health institutions, such as the Uganda Heart Institute and Uganda Cancer Institute. Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, for instance, was reported to have gone without essential medicines for six months, while Fort Portal Hospital experienced a two-month delay in receiving drugs from the National Medical Stores.
MPs expressed frustration with these ongoing issues, particularly the impact on vulnerable patients dependent on regular medication. "How are HIV/AIDS patients supposed to survive without medicine for months?" questioned Hon. Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County).
Okupa also called for an end to the ban on recruitment in the health sector, arguing that it is costing lives. "The ban can apply elsewhere, but not in health. We need an exception here," he urged.
Anifa Kawooya
Pulse Live Uganda
The PAC report also flagged the issue of expired drugs piling up in hospitals, with MPs calling on the government to hold the National Medical Stores accountable for these costly losses. Furthermore, it noted that the Uganda Heart Institute was facing a shortage of vital drugs used in heart disease treatment and pain relief.
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In response, Anifa Kawooya, the State Minister for Health, promised that the ministry would address the MPs' concerns and review the PAC report's recommendations.
