By Solomon Okello
Oyam, Uganda – Opinion leaders in Oyam District, including the LCV Chairperson, have expressed optimism that Anyeke Health Centre IV is on track to meet the standards of a general hospital.
This confidence stems from the 75% completion of the OPD laboratory extension, a project that has been under construction since April 2024 by the UPDF Construction Brigade.
The extension, funded with UGX 334,009,870 allocated by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health, was initially scheduled for a six-month completion. However, unforeseen delays in July extended the timeline.
During a site visit, Afande Michael Etyang, the project supervisor, confirmed that 75% of the work is complete. While optimistic about full completion, he refrained from specifying an exact timeline due to several factors that need consideration.
Dr. Patrick Omara Olwol, the medical officer in charge of Anyeke Health Centre IV, highlighted the facility’s critical role in Oyam District serving as a referral point for 15 lower health facilities and it handles over 200 outpatient visits daily and delivers more than 70 mothers each month.
Dr. Omara emphasized that the expanded OPD laboratory, which includes additional clinical rooms, will significantly enhance service delivery.
“This extension is a step towards achieving the level of a general hospital. It will ease congestion and improve care for the increasing number of patients seeking treatment here,” he stated.
Dr. Omara commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for their exceptional work on the OPD laboratory extension.
He noted that the quality and efficiency of their work reflect a high level of professionalism and commitment to supporting healthcare infrastructure development.
He expressed confidence that their efforts would greatly enhance the facility’s capacity to serve the growing healthcare needs of the community.
The District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Benson Dila Oyuku, lauded the efforts behind the project, noting its potential to improve medical care for residents.
“This expansion is vital for managing common infections like malaria and other conditions requiring laboratory services. Anyeke Health Centre IV is the largest health unit in the district and this upgrade will greatly benefit our people,” he said.
Hon. Dila also commended the UPDF Construction Brigade for their commitment to quality and timely work, contrasting their dedication with some private contractors often accused of delivering substandard results.
“The UPDF has demonstrated excellent workmanship and adherence to their mandate, which gives us confidence in the success of this project,” he added.
Once completed, the new OPD laboratory and clinical rooms will bolster Anyeke Health Centre IV’s ability to handle increasing patient numbers and complex cases.
This progress aligns with the Ministry of Health’s vision of upgrading key health facilities to improve access to quality healthcare in underserved regions.