Serere I A Serere district resident has asked authorities for an explanation of the high fees charged to pregnant mothers seeking delivery services, particularly caesarean sections, at government hospitals.
James Erick Opio of Atiira sub-county highlighted the significant challenge posed by a shs150,000 fee, which many mothers requiring surgical care cannot afford.
Opio questioned the justification for these charges, given that the government already pays doctors and nurses.
He claims that the exorbitant fees have resulted in the deaths of mothers and children, as those who cannot afford them tend to stay at home or use traditional birth attendants.
Acting Serere District Health Officer Dr. Daniel Ogwal distanced himself from the accusations, stating that the fees were authorised by the council in 2012 to share expenses and lower the mortality rates among expectant mothers and their offspring.
He confirmed that the council approved a fee of shs150,000 for caesarean operations at Serere Health Centre IV.
Dr. Ogwal also stated that the facility’s maternal mortality rate has decreased, with last year’s deaths attributed to 2-3 mothers who delayed reaching the health centre.
Henry Opio, the current Speaker of Serere district local government, stated that the fee was approved by the previous council rather than the current one.
He assured that the current council is reviewing the fees and hopes to reduce them or even offer services for free whenever the necessary medical equipment is available.
Opio also stated that the current council has only approved a mandated charge of shs10,000 for X-ray services to cover the salary of a Radiographer who is not on the government payroll.
Maternal deaths are caused by three factors: delays in seeking care, delays in arriving at health facilities, and delays in providing adequate care while on the premises.
According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey, maternal mortality decreased from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births, while infant mortality fell from 43 to 34 per 1,000 live births.
By Robert Edwomu.