AMURIA – Wera Health Center III in Amuria District is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a 3 billion shilling allocation for its upgrade to a Health Center IV.
The initiative, aimed at improving healthcare services, was officially launched today by State Minister for Works and Transport and Amuria County MP, Hon. Musa Ecweru.
The upgrade comes as part of efforts to reduce pressure on Amuria District Hospital and to enhance access to quality healthcare in the region.
Currently, Wera Health Centre III serves an average of 2,000 patients monthly, catering to a population of over 13,000 residents.
The allocated funds will be used to construct essential facilities, including a new maternity ward, a modern operating theater, an outpatient department, an incinerator, and a four-stall latrine.
Aaron Ojok, the Senior Health Officer in charge of the facility, highlighted the importance of these additions.
“The new infrastructure will significantly alleviate the strain on the health center, which has been grappling with limited space and inadequate facilities while serving a growing population,” Ojok said.
Despite these improvements, staffing remains a challenge. With only eight healthcare workers currently employed at the facility, staff shortages continue to place immense pressure on the delivery of services.
Amuria District faces systemic healthcare challenges, including a lack of sufficient Health Center IIIs in its four counties.
According to District Health Officer Godfrey Opolot, Amuria currently has 10 operational Health Center IIIs, with seven others urgently needing upgrades to meet the rising demand for healthcare.
“Improving our healthcare infrastructure is crucial for addressing the needs of our population,” Opolot emphasized, noting that the upgrade at Wera Health Center III is a step toward bridging these gaps.
While handing over the construction site to CAB Uganda Limited, the contractor, Hon. Ecweru underscored the transformative potential of the project.
“This initiative will drastically improve healthcare delivery for the people of Amuria by addressing critical challenges in access and quality of services,” Ecweru said.
The upgraded facility is expected to benefit residents of Wera and neighboring communities, reducing the need for long-distance travel to access specialized healthcare services.
As the construction gets underway, hopes are high that this project will serve as a model for addressing healthcare disparities in the district and beyond.
