Moses Mutaka
10 June 2011
Kamuli District referral hospital has been hit by a power blackout following the breakdown of the transformer two weeks ago.
Speaking to the media in his office, the medical superintendent, Dr Robert Isabirye, said the blackout has curtailed operations which need power. He said such patients are being referred to Kamuli mission hospital, which adds financial burden to them.
Costly hospitals
“Definitely when you refer someone who has come to access free services to a private hospital, it becomes costly,” Dr Isabirye said.
He noted that the hospital is not in a position to store blood as the refrigerators and other gadgets need power.
He said the hospital has a stand-by generator for emergency cases, but they could not afford to use it with the increasing fuel prices.
Dr Isabirye said the problem has led to shortage of water supply, forcing patients to buy water elsewhere at Sh500 per 20 litres.
He said Umeme officials promised to replace the transformer in two weeks’ time.
Ms. Sarah Katono, an attendant to a patient in the hospital, said they have been financially constrained as they have to buy candles and water.
However, Mr Richard Mawuji, the Kamuli District Umeme supervisor, told the media that they are working around the clock to acquire another transformer.
“We wouldn’t love to see anybody die because of power failure. We shall solve this problem in the smallest time possible,” Mr Mawujji said.
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