By Nathan Eyagu 

Bukedea District — The Iteso Cultural Leader, His Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, has pledged to champion efforts toward the elevation of Bukedea Health Centre IV to a fully-fledged district hospital. This commitment was made during his official grassroots cultural tour in Bukedea District, where he paid a courtesy visit to the health facility.

The Emorimor, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Akaliat Juliet Among Emolot Atomeileng, was warmly received by the facility’s leadership and staff. During the visit, the cultural leader commended the health workers for their dedication and resilience despite operating under limited resources and infrastructure.

Dr. Julius Osele, the officer in charge of Bukedea Health Centre IV, welcomed the Emorimor and highlighted the pressing needs at the facility. He noted that the centre receives patients from various neighboring districts, putting pressure on its limited resources. He appealed for the centre’s upgrade, stating that hospital status would significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the region.

“The elevation of this facility is long overdue. It is in the pipeline, but we need the support of influential leaders like the Emorimor to push this agenda forward,” Dr. Osele said. He also raised concerns about inadequate staff accommodation, pointing out that many staff members travel long distances to report for duty, while those residing near the facility live in rundown housing structures dating back to the 1990s.

In his address, Emorimor Emolot expressed deep appreciation for the staff’s efforts in serving the community and reiterated his commitment to working closely with government and other stakeholders to support the health centre’s elevation.

“A healthy population is the foundation of development. As a cultural institution, we are ready to collaborate with the government and other leaders to ensure that this facility is upgraded for the betterment of our people,” Emorimor said.

Her Royal Highness Akaliat Juliet Among Emolot Atomeileng underscored the importance of data in influencing policy and development decisions. She urged the health centre to prioritize accurate and consistent data collection as a critical factor in the elevation process.

“For this facility to be considered for hospital status, robust data collection and reporting are essential. I encourage the staff to maintain proper records to support their case,” she stated.

The cultural visit also included a tour of the maternity ward, where a newborn was named in honor of the Emorimor’s visit. A commemorative tree was planted in the health centre compound to mark the occasion.

The visit by the Iteso cultural leadership has been received with optimism by the local community and leaders, who believe it will energize ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and strength culture in Bukedea District.