Maternity Ward Construction at Mundhel Health Centre III

The people of Nyapea Sub-County in Zombo District are celebrating a major healthcare milestone. Mundhel Health Centre II has been upgraded to Health Centre III, significantly expanding access to essential healthcare services for the local community. A key component of this upgrade is the construction of a much-needed Maternity Ward, made possible by the tireless advocacy efforts of the Participatory Budget Club (PBCs) members. Through their relentless engagement with local government, the PBCs helped bring the community’s healthcare needs to the forefront, paving the way for this transformative development.

For years, the residents of Mundhel community struggled with severe healthcare challenges due to the inadequacy of health services at Mundhel Health Centre II. The absence of essential maternity ward services forced pregnant women to travel over 7 kilometres to access care at the private Nyapea Hospital.

This option was out of reach for many, with costs ranging from UGX 109,000 for a normal delivery to over UGX 300,000 for a C-section. As a result, many women were left with no choice but to deliver at home, exposing themselves and their babies to life-threatening complications. This desperate situation underscored the urgent need for improved healthcare services in the community.

By March 2024, the long-awaited construction of the maternity ward at Mundhel Health Centre had finally commenced, with the structure reaching the slab level. During a recent site visit, community members expressed their excitement and optimism as the construction progressed to the roofing level. They have taken an active role in monitoring the construction process, ensuring quality workmanship and proper use of materials. This vigilance highlights the power of community involvement in development projects.

Currently, Mundhel Health Centre II remains non-functional, lacking medical supplies and personnel, but with the completion of the maternity ward, there is strong hope that the facility will be successfully upgraded to Health Centre III. This upgrade will bring essential health services closer to the people, providing much-needed treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, ulcers, and high blood pressure. The LC3 Chairperson of Nyapea Sub-County, Mr. Constantine Omwony, acknowledged the vital role of citizen-driven advocacy in influencing government action.

“I pledge continuous support towards the work of PBCs and CSBAG,” Mr. Omwony said, recalling a pivotal moment when he accompanied PBC members to the office of LC V Zombo District to inquire about the delayed start of the maternity ward construction. “When PBCs spoke on behalf of the community, it was easy for the LC V to push, and that is how the first money was released to construct the foundation of the maternity ward.”

The story of Mundhel Health Centre exemplifies the power of citizen engagement in driving meaningful change. Through the advocacy of PBCs, the community’s healthcare challenges are expected to be addressed, and a brighter future is within reach. Once fully operational, Mundhel Health Centre III will provide a lifeline for countless families, ensuring that no woman must give birth without medical care and that essential health services are accessible to all community members.