Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with World Bank officials, has been conducting extensive support supervision and inspection of several critical construction projects in the western and southwestern regions of the country.
Kisoro and Kabale Inspections
Yesterday, the joint supervision team visited Kisoro and Kabale to inspect significant ongoing projects. In Kisoro, the focus was on the isolation unit and operating theatre, both crucial for enhancing the region’s capacity to handle infectious diseases and surgical cases. The inspection aimed to ensure that the facilities meet the required standards and are on track for timely completion.
In Kabale, attention was directed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) block. The establishment of this ICU is a major step forward in providing advanced medical care to critically ill patients in the region, reducing the need for long-distance transfers to larger cities.
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
This morning, the team continued their supervision at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (RRH). Key areas of focus included the installation of medical gas piping for ICU capacity, the establishment of a regional ambulance call and dispatch center, and the development of a Neonatal ICU. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve emergency response services and neonatal care in the region, thereby enhancing overall patient outcomes.
Future Visits: Fort Portal and Hoima
The next stops on the itinerary are Fort Portal and Hoima. In Fort Portal, the team will oversee the setup of a regional Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) laboratory. This facility will play a critical role in improving the region’s diagnostic capabilities and managing biosafety risks associated with infectious diseases.
Finally, in Hoima, the focus will be on reviewing the construction progress of the new ICU. With the support from the World Bank, this ICU is expected to bolster the region’s ability to provide intensive medical care, addressing a crucial gap in the healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Atwine emphasized the importance of these inspections, noting that they are essential for ensuring that the healthcare projects are progressing as planned and will meet the needs of the communities they serve. The collaboration with the World Bank is instrumental in providing the necessary funding and technical expertise to bring these projects to fruition.
