Radio Talk Show Sparks Urgent Action on Health Service Delivery in Rubanda

A powerful discussion on the state of health service delivery in Rubanda District aired live on Voice of Kigezi (VOK 89.5 FM) on 12th December, 2024, bringing together key stakeholders and community voices to address persistent challenges in local health facilities.

The talk show, organized under the theme “Improving Health Service Delivery in Rubanda”, featured a distinguished panel: Byamukama Simon, Executive Director of LUSUDI; Masiko Rogers, Head of Programs at LUSUDI; Birungi Abordon, District Health Officer (DHO) Rubanda; and Hillary Bindeba Ayebare, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Rubanda.

During the live broadcast, speakers addressed urgent issues facing health centers, including inadequate staff accommodation, lack of ambulances for hard-to-reach areas like Ruhija HCIII, absence of separate inpatient wards in Health Centre IIIs, and lack of fencing for security. Other concerns included understaffing, shortage of delivery beds at Bigungiro HCII and Kashasha HCII, and unresolved land ownership for several facilities.

Birungi Abordon, the DHO, pledged immediate steps toward improved facility safety. “I will instruct all health in-charges to ensure that facilities are fenced for security. This is a first step to protecting both our patients and our health workers,” he assured.

Masiko Rogers emphasized the need for joint responsibility. “Improving health service delivery is not the work of government alone. Communities and duty bearers must work hand in hand to make our health centers functional and responsive to people’s needs,” he said.

Callers also engaged in the conversation. Everisto Rubanda and Richard Rwancerere sought clarity on LUSUDI’s presence in the region, prompting Byamukama Simon to reaffirm the organization’s commitment. “LUSUDI’s main office is in Kabale District, but our work covers Rubanda and beyond, with health service advocacy as a key priority,” he explained.

The dialogue concluded with a set of follow-up priorities, including procuring delivery beds for Bigungiro and Kashasha health centers, addressing staff housing shortages, constructing inpatient wards, and resolving land ownership issues.

DHO Rubanda, Assistant RDC Rubanda, Executive Director LUSUDI, and Head of Programs LUSUDI during the radio talk show at Voice of Kigezi on December 12, 2024.

Byamukama Simon hailed the talk show as “a successful platform for turning community concerns into actionable commitments from duty bearers.”

With clear pledges from district leaders and active community participation, the discussion marked a step forward in ensuring Rubanda’s health services are safe, accessible, and equipped to serve all citizens.