Mbarara Hospital Secures Dedicated Power Line, Boosting Service Reliability

Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital is now operating with a dedicated 33kV three-phase power line, a crucial development aimed at enhancing the stability of critical medical services. This upgrade is expected to alleviate the frequent power interruptions that previously plagued the facility, forcing reliance on expensive diesel generators.

The new, more stable power supply is particularly vital for departments requiring uninterrupted electricity, including the Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, operating theatres, Radiology, and clinical laboratories. Dr. Deus Twesigye, Senior Consultant General Surgeon and Acting Senior Executive Consultant at the hospital, confirmed the handover of the dedicated line by Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).

Previously, the hospital’s shared power line made it vulnerable to outages. This often necessitated the use of standby generators, incurring significant operational expenses. Halson Kagure, the Hospital Public Relations Officer, highlighted that a stable power supply also protects expensive medical equipment, such as the MRI machine, from damage caused by sudden power surges or cuts, thus avoiding costly repairs.

The financial implications of the upgrade are substantial. Hospital engineer Ssemata Patrick revealed that the facility was previously spending up to six million shillings weekly on generator fuel. The dedicated line is anticipated to drastically reduce this expenditure, freeing up resources for direct patient care.

While the new system promises improved reliability, hospital authorities are urging staff to remain mindful of electricity consumption. Measures are being considered to optimize energy use, alongside a call for vigilance in switching off lights and equipment when not in use.

This dedicated power line is a significant step forward for Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, a key medical hub serving Western Uganda, ensuring a more consistent and reliable foundation for essential healthcare services. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/375812/mbarara-hospital-gets-dedicated-power-line-to-cut-outages-generator-costs