By Stanly Ebele
The ministry of Health has launched the upgrade of Lokori Health Centre II to Health Centre III in Karenga District in a bid to take improved health service delivery to the people.
This aligns with the government’s policy of having a health centre III in each sub-county, reducing the distance of public health facilities to about 5 km.
Similarly, the Italian Cooperation has injected Shs2.6 billion to construct a new health centre III in Kakwanga sub-county, which currently lacks a facility.
Currently the residents of Kakwanga sub-county travel 18Km to Karenga Health Centre IV for treatment, far exceeding the government’s 5 km standard.
According to Karenga District Health Officer Dr. Andrew Rues Ilukol, upgrading Lokori Health Centre II will cost Shs2.7 billion.
Stracon Limited is undertaking the upgrade of Lokori and the construction of the Kakwanga facility for a contract period of 18 months.
The scope of work include construction of modern Out Patient Department (OPD) maternity wards, twin staff houses and pit latrines.
Dr. Ilukol stated that once completed, these health centres will enhance service delivery thus reducing maternal and morbidity rates.
By November 2026, Karanga’s health centre III coverage will reach 55 percent, with four more facilities needing upgrades.
DHO Karenga Dr. Ilukol eng.
