Members of the Parliamentary Health Committee have been stunned on learning of the alarming maternal and neonatal mortality rates at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital.
Dr. Sam Ononge, the acting Executive Director, revealed that the hospital records 1,511 maternal deaths per 100,000 annually. In addition, 54.6% per 1000 of newborns fail to survive their first year.
Dr. Ononge attributed these high mortality rates to delayed referrals from across the country, as well as the hospitals critical understaffing that operates at only 44% of its required capacity.
He added that patient satisfaction has stagnated at a concerning 15%.
Dr.Ononge says understaffing has been due to delayed recruitment by public service commission despite them submitting the required number of needed specialized medical officers.
By Lubega Francis
09th April 2026
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