The survey by Twaweza Uganda an advocacy agency revealed that half the country’s population could not afford medical care while 51% of Ugandans go to public health facilities to access free or cheaper medical care. The study, however, reported that patients were disappointed by the services in government hospitals and many looked for other options. 24% of those who visited public health facilities for the last one year chose to go to private hospitals, 12% went to pharmacies while 3% went to church or mission hospitals. Some did nothing about their health after failing in public hospitals. “This is not something that should be taken lightly it is affecting citizens as a whole because 51% are going to the government health facilities first before they go to any other facility when they are faced with any ailment or injury.” Said Marie Nanyanzi – Programmes Officer, Twaweza Uganda.

Furthermore, the report suggested why many deserted these facilities. 30% said long waiting time disappointed them, 29% found no medicines and supplies while 18% were afraid of the hospital staff, scores also pointed out absenteeism of doctors.

81% of the 2,000 responses in the study were not satisfied with the government’s services in their communities. A graft was also mentioned especially among the Police, health workers, local council officials and politicians. Twaweza said it hopes that these findings will help inform public policy. “But with this platform Sauti za Wanainchi, we are able to get all that information together put a statistical figure to it through a scientific process of collecting this data and share that feedback with the policymakers as well as the media.” The survey was a pilot project of a new initiative managed by Twaweza dubbed Sauti za Wanainchi or Voices of the Citizens.