Fort Portal City health officials have launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving service delivery across health centers, integrating outpatient department services with outreach programs, and introducing digital registration for clients.
The program seeks to modernize healthcare management in the city and enhance patient care by streamlining service delivery and data collection.
Under the new framework, all clients visiting health facilities will be screened for major health concerns, including tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, and HIV.
Pregnant women seeking antenatal care and immunizations will also undergo cervical cancer screening and testing for sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
The initiative was announced during a one-day performance review meeting held at East Division Hall, Central Division, which focused on key health indicators such as malaria and HIV.
The meeting aimed to encourage data-driven decision-making, analyze disease trends, exchange best practices in case management, and improve the accuracy of health reporting. Officials noted that malaria positivity rates in some outpatient departments remain above 45%, while the July to December quarter recorded 283 new HIV infections, with 267 patients successfully linked to care.
Kiguma Health Center III, Bukuuku HC IV in North Division, and Kagote in Central Division were recognized for exemplary performance, demonstrating improved reporting and increased patient attendance.
Assistant City Health Officer Annet Kabahenda emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to review data, share achievements and challenges, and develop strategies to enhance healthcare systems. She urged facility in-charges, both public and private, to intensify efforts to achieve performance targets.
Dr. Kaweesi Francisco of Kataraka Health Center IV called for timely submission of weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, noting that the previous quarter’s reporting rate was only 50%, a factor that affects the city’s national ranking. He stressed that integrating services at the outpatient department would help increase patient attendance and improve overall performance.
Dr. Lydia Kwaje from Baylor emphasized accountability and self-assessment among health facility managers, encouraging digitalization in patient care.
The meeting concluded with an action plan to guide partners and technocrats, including bi-weekly reporting, mandatory malaria testing, indoor residual spraying, enhanced health education, integration of antenatal services, male involvement in maternal care, 24/7 laboratory availability, improved immunization outreach, and ensuring uninterrupted HIV treatment.
The city’s health authorities aim to raise standards, improve health indicators, and secure better outcomes for the community.