Hoima Hospital overwhelmed by C-sections
Statistics show that the hospital performs 10-15 C-sections daily, out of approximately 40 deliveries conducted each day.
Hoima Regional Referral Hospital director Dr Ibrahim Bwanga said expectant mothers often arrive with obstructed labour. (Photos by Peter Abaanabasazi)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Medics at the Hoima Regional Referral Hospital have raised a red flag over the rising number of women delivering through Caesarean Section (C-section) at the facility.
A Caesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus. The procedure is usually performed when a vaginal delivery isn't safe or possible.
Statistics show that the hospital performs 10-15 C-sections daily, out of approximately 40 deliveries conducted each day.
Speaking to New Vision Online in an interview on January 24, 2025, hospital director Dr Ibrahim Bwanga attributed this trend to delayed referrals from village health facilities: "Most expectant mothers are referred to us after several failed attempts by other health workers in the villages".
Some of the mothers who were recently admitted sitting on the veranda of the ward due to lack of space at the facility. 
"They often arrive with obstructed labour," Bwanga said.
While acknowledging the importance of C-sections as lifesaving procedures, Bwanga warned about the potential risks when conducted unnecessarily.
"Caesarean sections can lead to short- and long-term health problems for both mothers and babies if performed without medical necessity," he noted.
Bwanga urged expectant mothers to prioritise early antenatal care at government health facilities to ensure timely management of their health and avoid complications.
Globally, concerns about rising C-section rates are echoed by findings from a 2021 World Health Organisation (WHO) study. The research highlighted significant disparities in access to the procedure based on geography.
For instance, only 5% of women in sub-Saharan Africa delivered via C-section compared to the global average of 21%.
The WHO report also noted a worrying increase in C-section rates worldwide, rising from 7% in 1990 to 21% today. By 2030, projections indicate the highest rates could reach 63% in Eastern Asia, 54% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 50% in Western Asia, and 48% in Northern Africa.
While these surgeries can be essential in addressing childbirth complications, experts emphasize the need for balanced access and careful evaluation to avoid unnecessary risks, particularly in settings with limited resources.
Other challenges faced by the facility
Dr Bwanga said that Hoima Regional Referral Hospital is faced with the challenge of inadequate staffing adding that the facility is supposed to have 50% staffing but it is currently depending on 27 staffing.
He challenged the government to support the hospital to get their wadge bill increased adding that recruiting the staffing up to 50% require shillings five billion.
He noted that the facility is having a challenge of inadequate space despite the increasing number of patients received every day.
According to him, the facility admits 800 to 1000 patients every day but space is still a challenge and this forces the medics to admit the patients on the floor and the verandas.
Hoima Regional Referrals Hospital serves over 10 local governments such as Kikuube, Hoima district and Hoima city, Masindi, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi and Kiboga among others.