BACKGROUND

Bukwa Hospital is located in the Bukwa subdistrict of the Kapchorwa District, approximately 80 miles from Kapchorwa township, relatively close to the Kenya border.  It  was founded by the Diocese of Tororo, Uganda, as a health centre, to provide a Christian approach to the healing apostolate for the people of the Bukwa subdistrict.  The health center has recently been upgraded to a hospital
and is the only health facility in the entire subdistrict of Bukwa. The hospital refers more complicated cases to St. Anthony's Hospital in Tororo.

The hospital ministers to a disadvantaged, rural community with limited infrastructure.  The mountainous roads are in poor condition, often impassible during the rainy season.

ADMINISTRATION

The hospital is administered by the Management Committee, whose chairman is the parish priest.  The committee is responsible  to the Board of Governors, which is chaired by the Archbishop of  Tororo.

The day-to-day activities of the hospital are administered by the Medical Superintendent (a doctor) and a Matron (a sister).

STAFFING

2 doctors (including the administrator)
1 registered nurse
1 lab assistant
3 enrolled nurses
2 clinical persons
2 two midwives

The hospital needs to increase its staff if it is to provide adequate service.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Out-Patient Department handles between 100 and 150 patients a day, more than half of which are children.  Out-Patient services include immunization, outreach programs, family planning, and a prenatal clinic.

The In-Patient Department has an 80-bed capacity and has an operating theatre.   Approximately 60% of the patients are children.   The maternity programme provides Caesarian sections as well as general medical services.
 
The hospital has a generator but cannot afford to run it on a daily basis; hence, there is a need for a smaller generator.

SERVICES OFFERED

Curative:  out-patient and in-patient services.
Natal care
Immunization
Public health education
Family planning
Laboratory services
Counseling services and home visits to HIV/AIDS patients and their families

URGENTLY REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Ultrasound equipment
X-ray machines
Surgical equipment
Transportation (ambulances)
Small Generator (25-kv capacity)