Kampala — Jinja Hospital is dilapidated, MPs heard yesterday. The asbestos roof leaks, endangering patients and staff, superintendent Dr. Benon Wanume told MPs on the public accounts committee.

"The Government should provide funds for replacement of asbestos with iron sheets," he said.

Franked by principal administrator Charles Tumushime, Wanume also said the hospital does not have a land title.

"The lands offices in Jinja have frustrated the hospital for over three years. The lands commissioner tells us that they cannot find proper references to process the deed," he said.

The 2006 Auditor General's report questioned why hurricane lamps and candles were being used at the hospital during loadshedding.

"Paraffin lamps and candles expose the hospital to fire outbreaks," the report stated.

Wanume said President Yoweri Museveni last year donated a generator to the hospital. This financial year, the Government allocated sh1.8b to the hospital. "We seek Parliament's approval to divert sh970m from this year's budget to construct an intensive care unit," Wanume said.

He added that Assist International, an American donor agency, would donate equipment to the unit on condition that the building is completed.

The MPs were shocked to learn that children shared beds in the hospital.

"Children admitted for malaria cases usually share beds," Wanume said.

Peter Mutuluza (NRM) asked the hospital administration to prepare a report which would be presented to Parliament.

"The committee needs to present the report before the House, which will, approve the diversion of the money," he said.