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Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital is currently facing an increase in patient numbers, particularly casualties from motor accidents, which is putting immense strain on its limited resources. Acting Director Dr. Oscar Kaliisa shared this information over the weekend while receiving a donation from Stanbic Bank Uganda, which included five wheelchairs and a 10,000-litre water tank.
Additionally, the bank contributed two more 10,000-litre tanks and various scholastic items to Rusekere Secondary School, bringing the total value of the donations to approximately UGX 25 million.
Dr. Kaliisa stated, “Almost 40% of the patients attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) are casualties from motor accidents. Many people use boda-bodas as their primary means of transport, which, while convenient, often leads to more harm than good.”
He emphasized the hospital’s struggles with the rapid population growth in the region, which limits their ability to provide all necessary services. As a preventive measure, he urged the public to prioritize their health and safety in daily activities.
“Our OPD is overcrowded, and the number of patients at the diabetic and hypertensive clinic is alarming. We encourage everyone to engage in more exercise and adopt healthier eating habits to avoid illnesses,” Dr Kaliisa advised.
During the donation ceremony, part of the Stanbic Bank L.O.V.E. Month initiative, Peace Nyangoma, the Manager of Customer Experience, praised the hospital staff for their dedication despite the challenging circumstances.
In a recent report from the Ministry of Health for the 2023/2024 financial year, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital was ranked 10th for its performance.
Nyangoma stated, “Our role in supporting you as a district is to acknowledge your contributions toward our shared goal. As an organization, we are committed to driving Uganda’s growth, which necessitates our presence across the country to support the communities we serve. We demonstrate our commitment through partnerships and collaborations, engaging in various initiatives.”
She added, “When people think of Stanbic Bank, they often focus solely on profits. While profit is important, we also prioritize the well-being of the communities we serve, extending our care beyond our banking halls to positively impact individuals, regions, and the country as a whole.”
Albert Aheebwa, the Speaker of Fort Portal City, remarked, “This donation comes at a crucial time, considering the numerous challenges the hospital faces while serving referrals from the entire region. Staff members often feel overwhelmed due to a lack of essential resources.”