Lira Regional Referral Hospital's ICU Remains Non-Operational Due to Shortage of Anesthesiologists
Lira, Uganda – The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital remains non-operational due to a critical shortage of qualified anesthesiologists, leaving the unit functioning only as a High Dependency Unit (HDU). This has resulted in critically ill patients requiring ventilator support being referred to Lacor Hospital in Gulu or even as far as Kampala for treatment.
Dr. Bosco Ekwang Omongo, the hospital's head of the ICU, explained that despite efforts to recruit qualified anesthesiologists, the hospital has faced significant challenges in attracting professionals to fill the positions.
He stated that job advertisements were placed during the last financial year, but the response has been inadequate. This shortage has left the hospital unable to provide the necessary critical care services to its patients.
The ICU, which plays a crucial role in handling severe cases, especially those requiring ventilator support, has been reduced to an HDU. An HDU provides a lower level of care and does not have the equipment or staffing needed for more complex interventions such as ventilatory support or intensive monitoring.
Dr. Omongo emphasized that the situation has forced the hospital to rely heavily on referrals to Lacor Hospital and specialized medical centers in Kampala, which may delay treatment and worsen the condition of some patients. "This shortage has placed a significant strain on the hospital's ability to offer the necessary care for the most critically ill patients. We are trying our best to ensure that patients get the attention they need, but the lack of anesthesiologists is a major bottleneck," he said.
Health officials have acknowledged the urgency of addressing the shortage, with discussions ongoing regarding potential incentives and strategies to attract more anesthesiologists to rural and regional hospitals like Lira. The situation highlights a broader issue of healthcare staffing shortages in Uganda, particularly in specialized fields, which has affected the quality of care across many regions.
In the meantime, patients requiring intensive care continue to face the difficult reality of being transferred to distant hospitals, which further strains the healthcare system and resources in the country. The government has been urged to prioritize addressing the shortage of anesthesiologists and other specialized medical staff to improve healthcare service delivery in regional referral hospitals like Lira.
