Iganga, (UG):- A section of stakeholders and concerned citizens in eastern Uganda’s Iganga District have organized a marathon to solicit money to equip health centres in the district with necessary assortments that will see an improvement in the health sector.
An idea that started from a social media platform has seen a number of people joining the campaign after the initiation of Iganga Healthcare Development Association that has taken the pivotal lead to improve healthcare services in the district and they anticipate that the Sunday, December 1, 2024 event will have a tangible impact.
Speaking to journalists in a press conference organized by the association on Friday at Iganga General Hospital at Nakavule, the Association Patron who is also the chairperson NRM Iganga district Hajji Abubakar Walubi said a number of health centres have limited equipment that are key in offering services.
“In Iganga General Hospital, we don’t have a wheelchair and only one emergency hospital bed or stretcher. The same bed works in causality, theatre, mortuary, and other departments,” Hajji Walubi said before saying the marathon will also meet other things like hospital beds and mattresses.
The chief runner will be the eastern vice chairperson for NRM Cap George Mike Mukula, who will lead the runners from Iganga Municipal Council primary school through the streets of Iganga town and back to the school playgrounds, where an open fundraising drive will be conducted.
Hajji Walubi rallied people in Iganga to participate in the Iganga healthcare marathon by buying the running kit at 20,000= and 50,000=. It has been organized under the theme; Run to improve healthcare in Iganga district.
“You can support this campaign by buying the kits or offering things in kind. You can buy wheelchairs, mattresses, emergency beds, mother kits, etc. and this will push this drive to a good step,” Hajji Walubisaid, emphasizing that the marathon is non-partisan.
However, the association chairperson Mr. Bulagala Mawazi commended people for the unweaving support which has seen participation from some reputable companies and organizations like Tembo Steel Mill, and Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) which will handle services of health during the marathon.
The activity of testing for HIV/AIDS and counselling will be conducted as a way of emphasizing and commemorating World AIDS Day which is commemorated worldwide every year on December 1.
“We came up with this initiative after assessing the need to have enough requirements in our health centres. Tembo steel company has since confirmed to give us 25 hospital beds,” Bulagala said, adding that the funds will be used to buy requirements in all health centres in Iganga District.
He beseeched the neighbouring districts to participate, reiterating that Iganga is the centre of Busoga and some patients from Mayuge, Kaliro, Bugiri, Luuka and other areas seek medication in Iganga health centres.
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