Kinyara Sugar Ltd has commissioned a state of the art Maternity Unit at Kinyara Health Centre to improve delivery of health services in communities in Masindi district.
The maternity unit has an operating theater, neonatal ICU, High Dependency Unit (HDU), post operative admission beds, Doctor’s room, a procedure room, a changing room for doctors and theatre staff, a general reception and sanitary facilities.
The Maternity Unit was built by Sarrai Group of Companies in honour and memory of Sarjit Kaur Rai, the mother of the Chairman of Sarrai Group of Companies.
Money invested
The maternity unit worth over Ug.Sh.600 M has been welcomed by leaders, communities and different stakeholders since the facility is expected to improve access to better maternal healthcare in Masindi district and the neighbouring areas.
According to Mr Moses Kabira, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd Human Resource Manager, the company is investing in health, education and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in order to improve on the livelihoods and welfare of staff and communities.
The Masindi district Chairman ,Wobusobozi Patrick ,with Kinyara Sugar Ltd Managers led by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer ,Mr Ramalingam Ravi, at the launch of Sarjit Kaur Rai Memorial Maternity Unit at Kinyara Health Centre on Friday
Benefits to community
According to Health experts, the new maternity wing addresses a longstanding gap in emergency obstetric care that had discouraged many expectant mothers from delivering at the facility.
“We received more than 1,000 mothers for antenatal care in the previous quarter, but only 63 deliveries were conducted,” said Dr. Enock Mbayo, the in-charge of Kinyara Health Centre III.
He said many mothers attended antenatal clinics but opted to deliver elsewhere because the health centre lacked a theatre capable of handling emergency caesarean sections.
“With the construction of this facility, we hope more mothers will choose to deliver here because they know they can receive comprehensive maternity services without being referred,” Mbayo said.
The Kinyara Sugar Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ramalingam Ravi ,addressing Guests at the launch of Sarji Kaur Rai Memorial Maternity Unit at Kinyara Health Centre. The Unit was constructed by Sarrai Group of Companies in honour and memory of the mother of Sarrai Group Chairman. Kinyara Sugar Ltd is one of the subsidiaries of Sarrai Group of Companies
Masindi Assistant District Health Officer, Patrick Baguma ,who represented the Masindi District Health Officer said the new maternity unit has brought quality maternal healthcare closer to communities.
“The health workers here are the same professionals serving at Masindi Hospital. The services offered here are of the same standard,” Baguma said.
He urged residents to utilise the facility and pledged district support through supervision and provision of medical equipment as authorities work towards upgrading Kinyara Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status.
Baguma also encouraged health workers to promote normal deliveries whenever medically possible unless Caesarean sections are the best medically recommended option.
Sarrai Group’s generosity and support
Kinyara Sugar Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Ravi Ramalingam ,said the project reflects Sarrai Group’s commitment to support and empower the communities where the Sarrai Group of Companies operates. Kinyara Sugar Ltd is one of the subsidiaries of the Sarrai Group.
He said the maternity unit would benefit both surrounding communities and employees of Kinyara Sugar Limited.
“This is our contribution to the people of Masindi in memory of Sarjit Kaur Rai. We shall continue supporting this facility and our dream is to see it grow into a fully-fledged hospital,” Ramalingam said.
The Masindi district chairman , Wobusobozi Patrick inaugurating the Sarjit Kaur Rai Memorial Maternity Unit at Kinyara Health Centre on Friday, flanked by the Bujenje County MP ,Kenneth Nyendwoha, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd CEO Mr Ramalingam Ravi, the Kabango Town Mayor Richard Oyomtho and the Masindi district Assistant health Officer
Kabango Town Council LCIII Chairperson ,Mr Richard Oyomtho, described the facility as an outstanding achievement and contribution by the Sarrai Group to improve maternal healthcare in the area.
“I know the long journeys to Masindi or Kampala for simple surgical procedures. I know of mothers who are worried of delivering their babies from facilities without adequate emergency backup. I know of families that have lost loved ones simply because they could not access timely and affordable surgery. I can say with confidence that this narrative ends now ” Oyomtho said.
Kinyara Sugar Ltd has demonstrated that they care about more than just sugar production. They are about the sweetness of our lives, he added.
“In this era where corporate profit takes precedence, Kinyara Sugar Ltd has proven that it cares about saving lives, investing in excellence of community healthcare and protecting the community that serves labour and raw materials to the factory. This is a sustainable way of maintaining the bond between the company and the community ” Oyomtho added.
Appreciation by leaders
Bujenje County MP , Mr. Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, said the health centre already attracts patients from neighbouring districts because of its quality services but noted that many residents in Masindi still underutilize the facility.
The Kinyara Sugar Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mr Ramalingam Ravi with political and religious leaders who graced the launch of a Maternity Unit at Kinyara Health Centre on Friday
“People are suffering silently in the villages yet these services are available here. Many only come when their conditions have deteriorated,” he said.
Masindi District Chairperson ,Mr Patrick Wobusobozi ,who presided over the launch said the district leadership would continue working with the facility’s management to improve healthcare services and support efforts to upgrade it to a Health Centre IV.
“We are grateful for this facility and other community support programs by Kinyara Sugar Ltd. Your contribution in health, agriculture, business and community development initiatives is highly commendable” Wobusobozi said.
