Entebbe Hospital Staffing At 21 Percent As MPs Warn of Growing Pressure On Health Services

Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital is severely understaffed, operating with just 21.8% of its approved workforce. This critical shortage raises significant concerns about the quality of care for a growing population and the immense pressure on existing health workers.

Despite recent recruitment efforts that increased staff numbers from 181 to 261 and improved the staffing percentage from 15.2% to 21.8%, the hospital still requires around 1,195 employees. Patient numbers have also surged, with a 13% increase in the last quarter, while bed occupancy remains high at 88.7%.

The hospital serves a large population, recording over 31,500 outpatient attendances and 3,424 admissions in a single quarter. This heavy workload means doctors may see more patients in less time, nurses manage more individuals than ideal, and specialists might oversee multiple units, leading to longer waits for patients.

Previous audits have highlighted similar issues, with one finding only 145 out of 552 positions filled. The current understaffing exacerbates the ongoing dispute over medical interns, whose presence, while temporary, provides crucial additional capacity. Their absence further strains an already stretched system.

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The staffing gap remains a major challenge at the regional referral hospital.