Maracha, March 21, 2025 — Maracha Health Center IV has held its performance review meeting for the first and second quarters of the financial year 2024/2025, focusing on healthcare delivery, staff welfare, and key challenges facing the facility.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Arije Francis, In-charge of Maracha Health Center IV, reported that HIV and TB management at the facility remained unaffected despite the brief suspension of Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) activities following the U.S. President’s executive order. However, Dr. Arije noted that the preventive aspects of healthcare had been negatively impacted.
He emphasized the need for increased male involvement in healthcare to improve key indicators and called for the collective engagement of stakeholders, particularly health workers, Village Health Teams (VHTs), and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs).
Prof. Cadribo Ron, Chairperson of the Health Unit Management Committee (HUMC), highlighted efforts to maintain regular engagements with staff to address welfare concerns. He urged the District Council to begin the process of appointing a new HUMC ahead of their term's expiration in October 2026, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Prof. Cadribo also reiterated the committee’s persistent advocacy for the fulfillment of the Presidential pledge to upgrade Maracha Health Center IV to District Hospital status, appealing to district leaders to expedite necessary actions.
Maracha District Chairperson, Hon. Obitre Stephen, called upon the Health Department and the facility management to urgently address the staffing gaps, particularly for critical positions, and stressed the importance of staff commitment and collaboration.
Mr. Isabirye Emmanuel, Officer-in-Charge of Maracha Central Police Station, pointed to the ongoing construction of staff housing as a key step towards enhancing service delivery at the health center.
Mr. Wadia Modest, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, encouraged lower local governments to provide mentorship to health units on proper bookkeeping practices and suggested integrating the national assessment tool into daily operations.
On his part, Mr. Atiku Samuel Nickson, Town Clerk of Maracha Town Council, commended the overall improvement in service delivery during his three-year tenure. He also addressed stakeholders’ concerns regarding the need for a mortuary, assuring them that it has been included in the new development plan, along with plans for a public cemetery.
Hon. Orijabo Henry, LC3 Chairperson Maracha Town Council, underscored the importance of implementing recommendations from review meetings, while Hon. Dicky Alema, Secretary for Social Services, called for teamwork and adherence to designated roles.
District Biostatistician, Mr. Odama Godfrey, representing the District Health Officer, applauded the decentralization of roles at the facility but stressed the urgent need for sustainability plans for ART clinics, particularly as some development partners have withdrawn support following U.S. government funding cuts.
Maracha Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Ms. Koliba Monica Kotevu, urged health workers to willingly fill gaps left in ART clinics due to the exit of some implementing partners.
Notably, the facility recorded 21 cases of bipolar disorder in Quarter 1 and 20 cases in Quarter 2. Additionally, the uptake of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) services saw an impressive improvement of over 60% in Q2, attributed to intensified vaccination campaigns.
The meeting concluded with a call for all stakeholders to remain committed to delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Maracha District.
