By James Alomu

The newly commissioned maternity ward at Moruapersure Health Centre III in Soroti City East Division, constructed at a cost of over 100 million shillings, is poised to significantly enhance maternal healthcare. However, the facility is grappling with a critical shortage of midwives, raising concerns about its ability to manage the increasing number of deliveries in Soroti City.

The facility, which includes a modern delivery unit, antenatal and postnatal sections, and four ward rooms with a total bed capacity of 40, is expected to serve the 37,000 residents in the East Division of Soroti City. In the past three months, the health centre has recorded 406 deliveries, underscoring the growing demand for maternity services. While the new ward is seen as a vital step toward addressing these needs, staffing remains a significant challenge.

Dr.Alfred  Anyonga, the Soroti City Health Officer, noted that despite the addition of the new facility, the centre remains staffed by only two midwives. With the expanded maternity ward, the centre now faces the daunting task of managing up to 40 beds, which could see more than 10 women in labor at a time. Dr. Anyonga expressed concern that the current staffing levels are insufficient to handle the increased patient load, putting added pressure on the two midwives available.

“The new maternity ward is a welcome development, but we are facing a critical shortage of midwives,” said Dr. Anyonga. “The facility’s capacity for 40 beds means we could have over 10 women in the labor room simultaneously, yet we only have two midwives. This creates a significant strain on our resources and raises concerns about the quality of care we can provide.”

The shortage of midwives at Moruapersure Health Centre III is not an isolated issue. Many healthcare facilities in Uganda face similar staffing challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Dr. Anyonga stressed the need for urgent recruitment of additional midwives to ensure that mothers receive the necessary care during labor and delivery.

Despite the staffing challenges, the opening of the new maternity ward in Soroti City has been hailed as a major step forward for maternal healthcare. Soroti City Engineer Kairu Robert, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, emphasized the importance of maintaining the new facility to ensure its long-term sustainability. “The opening of this maternity ward is just the beginning. The leadership must ensure that the facility is properly managed and maintained to avoid rapid deterioration,” he said.

The Resident City Commissioner for Soroti City, John Michael Okurut, also expressed his support for the project, acknowledging the importance of fulfilling the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto, which prioritizes access to healthcare and infrastructure development. “This is a milestone for Soroti City. We thank the NRM government for supporting this initiative and ensuring that maternal healthcare is accessible to the people of Soroti,” Okurut said.

As the new maternity ward begins its operations, Soroti City’s leadership faces a pressing need to address the staffing shortages that threaten to undermine its effectiveness. The city’s growing population and the increasing number of deliveries in the region highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure that all women have access to quality care during childbirth.

While the commissioning of the maternity ward is a significant achievement, it is clear that adequate staffing and continued investment in healthcare resources will be essential to the long-term success of the facility. As Soroti City moves forward, it must prioritize the recruitment and training of midwives to meet the demands of an expanding population and ensure that maternal health remains a top priority.