MPs Urge Government to Renovate, Upgrade Ailing Hospitals

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of public hospitals, urging the government to prioritize renovations and upgrades.

During a parliamentary debate, Hon. Joan Alobo highlighted the critical infrastructure deficit at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where patients are forced to share wards due to a lack of adequate facilities. She called for a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Health on refurbishment plans.

Further highlighting the issue, Hon. Umar Nangoli pointed to the stalled multi-purpose complex project at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. He explained that insufficient funding has hampered the completion of a project vital for emergency, ENT, neonatal, and outpatient services, with a significant funding gap remaining.

In Ssembabule District, Hon. Emmanuel Rwashande lamented the absence of a district referral hospital, forcing residents to travel to neighboring districts for essential medical care. He appealed for the establishment of necessary health centers to bring services closer to the people.

Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa stressed the importance of establishing regional referral hospitals to decentralize healthcare services currently concentrated at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He suggested leveraging the medical expertise at institutions like Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Responding to the concerns, the State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care), Hon. Charles Ayume, acknowledged the dilapidated state of facilities like Soroti Hospital, stating that plans are underway for either relocation or remodeling. He also outlined government initiatives to extend specialized services such as oncology and cardiovascular treatment to regional centers, with ongoing efforts to upgrade Mbarara Hospital to national referral status and establish similar facilities in other regions.

Minister Ayume noted that while ambitious plans for upgrading and decentralizing healthcare are in motion, significant financial investment, estimated between Shs 500 billion and Shs 1 trillion, is required. He expressed optimism that improved national infrastructure, particularly power accessibility, will facilitate these decentralization efforts.

Source: Parliament of Uganda