Diabetic Patients in Mbarara decry drug shortages
Patients affiliated with the Kashari Diabetic and Hypertensive Association in Mbarara district have raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing shortages of essential medications for their conditions at various local health centers.
During a visit on Tuesday, our reporter observed long lines of patients at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV, who were waiting for treatment but found that the facility lacked the necessary drugs.
Oliver Akankunda, the vice chairman of the association noted that they represent approximately 400 individuals suffering from diabetes and hypertension including many elderly patients and even some school-age going children from Mbarara and neighboring districts.
Dr. Bruce Mwesigye, a clinical officer at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV attributed the challenges the center is facing to a staffing shortage that began earlier this year when one clinical officer fell ill and his assistant went on maternity leave. This has created a significant gap in the care provided to the large patient population.
As a result, the center is currently limited to offering consultations, monitoring blood pressure and sugar levels, and prescribing medications that patients must subsequently obtain from private clinics and pharmacies exacerbating the difficulties they face in managing their health conditions.
