Views: 20
Public Healthcare is our Priority- Speaker Among
Uganda’s Speaker Anita Among has assured the public of government’s commitment to prioritise public healthcare in a bid to enhance service delivery. 
Among was speaking on Tuesday during the official launch of the free medical camp in Bukedea Comprehensive School, organised by Ministry of Health in collaboration with Bukedea District Local Government and Anita Foundation.
“I thank God that today our dream has come true… As Parliament, we shall support Ministry of Health to improve healthcare. I love issues of health, and I am happy we have brought health services nearer to the people and it has proved to be a people-centered health sector,” Among said.
Recently, Speaker Among opened Bukedea Teaching Hospital, a non-profit state-of-the art health facility which complements government by offering health services at a subsidised cost.
Among said the NRM government has over the recent years taken health matters very seriously and continues to recruit more specialised health professionals, improve medics’ welfare and ensure adequate medical supplies.
“As leaders, we are called to support government efforts and serve humanity. So, let us continue to serve communities,” she said.
Dr. Ben Watmon, the chairperson of the health camp organising committee and also director, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital commended the Speaker for bringing health services closer to the people.
“In most cases, health workers wait for patients in health facilities, and in many cases the patients can’t reach them, but you [Speaker] have brought the services closer and this bridges the gap,” Dr. Watmon said.
Juliet Akayo, who traveled from Magoro sub-county in Katakwi district, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in Soroti but couldn’t afford treatment in Kampala.
 “This is a chance for me to meet doctors from the Uganda Cancer Institute and get treatment at no cost,” she said.
The health camp which runs up to Friday, 25 January 2025 has attracted several health specialists and health institutions such as; Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda Heart Institute (UHI), Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Uganda Red Cross Society, Uganda AIDS Commission, and other regional referral hospitals from Kiruddu, Kawempe, Mbale and Soroti, etc.
The activity was attended by Members of Parliament of the parliamentary health committee led by their chairperson, Hon. Dr. Joseph Ruyonga.