Kamuli District Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) recently obtained 100 crucial oxygen cylinders from the Ministry of Health. The intervention followed timely and impactful stories by Monitor and NTV Uganda, media platforms under the Nation Media Group (NMG). The hospital, facing a shortage of oxygen supply, had resorted to using oxygen concentrators to sustain the lives of premature babies incubated in the NICU.
Premature births, occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy, present heightened risks for infants. With the NICU struggling due to an inadequate oxygen supply, the urgent need for a cylinder system was highlighted in last week’s reports. The hospital’s reliance on oxygen concentrators was a temporary solution, prompting the call for a more sustainable and centralized oxygen supply system for the incubated babies.
Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, praised NMG-U for its “timely coverage” that brought attention to the NICU’s emergency. The media coverage catalyzed swift action, prompting the Ministry to provide 100 oxygen cylinders to safeguard the lives of premature infants.
Medical Superintendent Lazarus Butenye expressed gratitude for the media’s advocacy role, emphasizing the significant impact of NMG’s reporting. He highlighted how the stories prompted the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital director to collaborate with Roofings and the Ministry of Health for an emergency supply of much-needed oxygen cylinders.
Dr. Butenye acknowledged the power of media influence in advocacy, recognizing the immediate response triggered by the news coverage. He also shed light on the challenges faced by mothers whose babies are in the NICU, emphasizing the need for suitable sleeping arrangements while staying close to their infants for breastfeeding and monitoring.
Judith Nabiryo, the hospital in charge, provided insights into the facility’s remarkable work, admitting 5,400 babies, with a significant portion being preterm. The hospital’s challenges include accommodating mothers in the NICU and addressing equipment needs like Continuous Passage Airway Pressure (CPAP). Despite these challenges, the hospital remains committed to its role as a vital healthcare resource, especially for neighbouring districts without hospitals.
Dr. Butenye affirmed the hospital’s readiness to handle an influx of preterm babies, reiterating their dedication to saving lives. He emphasized the importance of continued support and recognition from the Ministry to sustain their crucial healthcare services.
