Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to improving public healthcare services. Her remarks came on Tuesday during the launch of a free medical camp at Bukedea Comprehensive School, an initiative organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Bukedea District Local Government and the Anita Foundation. The camp is designed to bring medical care closer to communities, particularly those in rural areas.
“Today, I thank God that our dream has finally become a reality. As Parliament, we will continue to support the Ministry of Health in its efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
I am deeply passionate about health issues, and it brings me joy that we have made health services more accessible to the people. This is a true demonstration of our people-centered health sector,” Speaker Among shared during the event.
In addition to the camp, Speaker Among has previously opened the Bukedea Teaching Hospital, a non-profit, state-of-the-art facility aimed at complementing government healthcare efforts by offering services at subsidized costs.
Among also commended the government’s ongoing focus on the health sector, highlighting key measures like recruiting specialized medical professionals, improving the welfare of health workers, and ensuring the timely availability of essential medical supplies.
“As leaders, it is our duty to support government initiatives that benefit the public. Let us continue to serve our communities to the best of our abilities,” Among emphasized.
Dr. Ben Watmon, Chairperson of the Health Camp Organising Committee and Director of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, praised the Speaker for making healthcare more accessible to the people. He pointed out the common challenge where health workers are often stationed in facilities that many people cannot reach. By bringing healthcare services directly to the people, Dr. Watmon noted, Speaker Among has helped bridge this gap.
One of the beneficiaries, Juliet Akayo from Magoro Sub-county in Katakwi District, expressed her gratitude for the medical camp. Having been diagnosed with cervical cancer in Soroti, she struggled to afford treatment in Kampala. “This camp is a lifeline for me. It gives me the opportunity to consult with doctors from the Uganda Cancer Institute and receive treatment for free,” Akayo said.
The medical camp, which will run until Friday, January 25, 2025, has attracted a wide array of healthcare specialists and institutions. These include Mulago National Referral Hospital, the Uganda Heart Institute, Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Uganda Red Cross Society, Uganda AIDS Commission, and regional referral hospitals from Kiruddu, Kawempe, Mbale, and Soroti.
Members of Parliament from the Parliamentary Health Committee, led by Hon. Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, also attended the event in support of the initiative.
