Mothers Share Beds as Maternity Ward Struggles in Bududa

What the report says

Bulucheke Health Centre IV in Bududa District is struggling to cope with a rising number of patients, leaving its maternity ward badly overcrowded. According to Nile Post, the facility has only six maternity beds, forcing some mothers to share beds and others to lie on the floor while waiting to deliver or recovering after childbirth. Health workers say the shortage is affecting rest and monitoring for women after delivery.

The report quotes local residents and hospital staff describing the pressure on the ward. One mother said the ideal post-delivery rest period is often cut short because new patients need space, while the facility’s in-charge, Dr Rashid Simuya, said the health centre now sees about 20 to 30 antenatal clients daily and six to 10 mothers seeking maternity services each day. He also said outpatient numbers have climbed beyond 100 a day, far above earlier levels.

The health centre serves more than 50,000 people a year from over 10 sub-counties and was meant to reduce pressure on Bududa Hospital. But the growing demand has outpaced the available infrastructure. Simuya said space that once served other functions has been converted into a ward, yet congestion remains severe. The Health Unit Management Committee says it is building an additional structure with Primary Health Care funds, while also seeking more support from government, local leaders and other stakeholders.

The situation highlights wider strain on rural health facilities where patient growth has not been matched by beds, space or equipment, raising concerns about maternity care and recovery conditions for mothers.