Health 17 March 2026 Howwe Entertainment
Mulago Women and Neonatal Hospital Lacks Specialists for Newborn Care
Newborns and premature babies at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital are being transferred to other facilities due to a shortage of specialists, exposing them to serious health risks like blindness and infections. The hospital's acting director highlighted understaffing in the NICU and called for more funding and personnel. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42647/no-specialised-care-for-new-borns-at-mulago-women-hospital
The Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital is struggling to provide adequate care for newborns, particularly premature babies, due to a critical shortage of specialists.
Acting Executive Director Dr. Sam Ononge told the Public Accounts Committee on March 17, 2026, that over 45% of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are pre-term infants under 32 weeks who need eye checks, but no specialist is available. These infants are transferred to Mengo and Nsambya Hospitals, risking long-term issues like blindness, exposure to cold, and infections.
Newborns needing surgery are referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, adding further dangers during transport.
Staffing woes compound the problem, with one nurse handling six babies—far above safe levels—leading to burnout and errors. Dr. Ononge urged Parliament to boost staffing to at least 60% capacity.
The hospital eyes future improvements, including a paediatric centre and expanded IVF services, which have already seen successful deliveries, with plans to accept donors.
Deputy Chairperson Hon. Gorreth Namugga demanded full funding priority for specialists and cautioned against fully waiving fees for affordability, suggesting subsidies instead to prevent misuse.
Source: Howwe Entertainment