By Our Reporter 

Amuria District – The delivery of healthcare services at Olwa Health Center II in Olwa Sub-county, Orungo County, Amuria District, has been severely hindered by a critical shortage of staff, leaving thousands of residents underserved.

Currently, the facility operates with only seven staff members, including just three technical health workers, against the recommended 18, according to Lydia Aemo, the Officer-in-Charge of Olwa HCII. This severe shortfall has resulted in longer wait times, limited service availability, and increased pressure on the existing personnel.

"Olwa Sub-county has a population of over 13,000 people who depend on this facility. Due to limited staffing, many patients are forced to seek care from private facilities located 2.5 kilometers away," Aemo said. 

She emphasized the need for urgent government intervention, calling for the upgrade of Olwa Health Center II to a Health Center III, in line with the standard requirement for every sub-county. "We also face a shortage of drugs. At times, we are forced to prescribe medication for patients to buy elsewhere due to inadequate supplies, including malaria testing kits. This greatly affects service delivery, especially given the high prevalence of malaria in the area," she added.

Jimmy Otim, Chairperson of the Health Management Committee at Olwa HCII, echoed these concerns, stressing that the staffing gap has had a detrimental effect on patient care and health outcomes.

"People in remote parts of Amuria have limited access to timely and effective healthcare. The situation is dire and requires immediate attention," Otim noted.

Francis Odiko, the LC3 Chairperson of Olwa Sub-county, highlighted the lack of an Outpatient Department (OPD) as a major barrier to the facility's elevation to HCIII status. He appealed to the government to support the construction of adequate infrastructure to improve service delivery and support future upgrades.

Local leaders and health officials continue to call on the Ministry of Health to prioritize Olwa Health Center II and improve healthcare access for the growing population of Olwa Sub-county.