Babile Polyclinic patients and caretakers forced to use bushes as toilets

The Babile Polyclinic in the Lawra Municipality lacks adequate facilities, forcing patients and caregivers to use bushes as toilets.

Despite being home to over twelve thousand residents, the Babile Polyclinic does not have a functional toilet or urinary facility. The dire situation has resulted in patients resorting to unsanitary methods when nature calls.

This distressing situation came to light when Info Radio visited the Babile community on Friday, June 14, 2024.

The Assembly member for the Babile Electoral Area, Mr Zola Dabuo, stated that the health facility lacked basic infrastructure. According to him, the Polyclinic does not have wards, a blood bank and limited nurses to provide quality healthcare.

Mr Dabuo appealed to the government to take urgent action to address this situation, emphasizing the importance of providing dignified and hygienic facilities for those in need.

"He said, 'The Babile Polyclinic is about to collapse. The facility faces many challenges: it doesn't have wards, it lacks sufficient staff, and currently has no toilets for patients and their caretakers. Patients and caretakers have to use the bushes when in need.”

He also mentioned that the facility has no blood bank and limited office space.

"One office space is currently utilized for multiple purposes, including the records unit, Administrator’s Office, Accountant’s office, Antenatal Unit, and medical store. Unfortunately, when it rains, the office leaks,” he added.

Mr Kadoe Dapila Vitus, the Regent of Babile, expressed his concerns about the congestion at the facility during the rainy season, stating that it is an eyesore. He mentioned that a ward, which the government started constructing in 2020, has been abandoned at the roofing level.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gregory Tengzu, the Bipola Naa of Babile, mentioned that the youth have taken steps to construct a urinal pit for the clinic to alleviate the suffering of the patients and their caretakers.

Efforts to contact the Lawra Municipal Assembly for their response and plans regarding the concerning situation at the Babile Polyclinic were unsuccessful. Despite attempts to reach the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Jacob Dery, he did not respond to our calls and messages.