Jinja Regional Referral Hospital has raised concerns over low staffing levels, warning that the shortage is affecting service delivery.

While appearing before the Public Accounts Committee chaired by Gorreth Namugga, the hospital’s Accounting Officer, Alfred Yayi, noted that despite significant infrastructure development and improved equipment, the facility continues to struggle with understaffing.

He reported that out of the required 1,261 staff, only 410 are currently in place, representing just 32 percent.

Yayi also highlighted inadequate funding for medical supplies, stating that the hospital receives 1.9 billion shillings against a requirement of 4 billion shillings.

He appealed to the committee to increase the hospital’s capital development budget, which had been reduced from 120 million to 108 million shillings.

Established in the 1930s, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital serves 11 districts across eastern Uganda, covering a population of approximately 4.3 million people.

Similar challenges have been reported at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, including congestion, the absence of a Type-C ambulance, and dilapidated maternity wards.

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