Bakashaba Ambrose

Butabika National Referral Hospital is facing a severe staff shortage with only 14 psychiatric specialists serving over 1,000 patients Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government), the hospital Executive Director, Dr Juliet Nakku said that the hospital needs Shs120 billion to address the gaps limiting its ability to run critical operations, infrastructure development and address the staff challenges. She added that over 60 patients are handled by one nurse which is overburdening. This revelation was made as Members of Parliament expressed concern over the increasing cases of depression and suicide in the country. Dr Nakku added that expanding mental health services at the regional and community level will ensure early treatment and ease pressure on Butabika Hospital.