GOVERNMENT HAILED FOR IMPROVING OJOM HEALTH CENTRE II

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

Local leaders and residents in Oculoi Sub-county, Soroti District, have commended the government for improving Ojom Health Centre II, saying the development will ease access to healthcare services, especially for expectant mothers in rural communities.

Last Wednesday, Soroti District authorities commissioned a new general maternity ward at the facility, marking another step in government’s efforts to enhance primary healthcare delivery. The health centre, which currently operates at Level II, has been earmarked for upgrading to Health Centre III status.

Ms Stella Aodo, the District Councillor representing Oculoi, said the facility’s new structure will greatly improve access to maternal and child health services.

“Women will now be able to get maternity care and deliver safely here in Oculoi. Previously, we had to trek long distances to Tiriri Health Centre IV or Soroti Regional Hospital because Ojom did not have a maternity ward,” Ms Aodo said.

She added that the development will help reduce maternal health risks associated with long travel distances.

Ms Leah Akello, a mother of three, expressed joy over the facility’s new addition, saying it will relieve the burden on women who previously endured difficult journeys in search of maternity services.

“We are happy that services have been brought nearer. This will save time and money for many families, and reduce complications that used to arise when mothers travelled long distances,” she said.

The commissioning follows the recent completion of an Outpatient Department (OPD) block at the same health centre. Local leaders say the two projects represent steady progress in expanding access to healthcare at the grassroots.

Speaking as chief guest at the commissioning ceremony, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Hajji Imran Muluga, thanked the government for prioritising the health sector, particularly maternal and child health.

“This project will go a long way in improving healthcare for our people. We thank the government for allocating resources to improve service delivery at lower health facilities,” Hajji Muluga said.

Soroti District Chairperson, Mr Edoru Simon Peter Ekuu, described the project as a major milestone in the district’s health development agenda.

“This is a great step forward. It shows that government is committed to improving healthcare for our people, especially those in rural communities,” he noted.

The District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Charles Okadhi, said plans are underway to upgrade all Health Centre IIs in the district to Health Centre IIIs to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

“Ojom Health Centre II serves residents from Oculoi, Katine, and Arapai sub-counties. The addition of a maternity ward is transformative because it brings essential services closer to the people,” Dr Okadhi said.

Community members, led by Ms Mary Acen, expressed gratitude for the new structure, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to improving rural health facilities.

“We have waited a long time for this improvement. Now mothers will not have to travel far for deliveries or antenatal care,” Ms Acen said.

The new maternity ward is expected to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes and reduce congestion at other facilities such as Tiriri Health Centre IV and Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.