UCREPP Hosts Media Tour to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital’s New Satellite Laboratory

In a significant milestone for healthcare in the Tooro and Rwenzori region, the Ministry of Health’s UCREPP (Uganda COVID-19 Response and Emergency Preparedness Project) has conducted a media tour of the newly constructed satellite laboratory at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.

This initiative held on 17th October, aimed at showcasing the progress and impact of the new facility, drew the attention of 30 journalists from various media houses.

Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, established in 1930, is the only regional referral hospital serving the Tooro and Rwenzori region. Over the years, the hospital has grown to become a cornerstone of healthcare services for over five million people across Western Uganda. The addition of the new laboratory represents a significant boost to the region’s health infrastructure, particularly in the areas of diagnostics and disease management.

The satellite laboratory, built under the Ministry of Health’s UCREPP initiative, will greatly enhance the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and test for various diseases. It comes at a time when efficient diagnostic services are critical for managing emerging infectious diseases and improving overall healthcare delivery. The lab is designed to handle a wide range of tests and is expected to streamline operations, leading to faster and more accurate disease detection and management.

During the media tour, journalists had the opportunity to engage with hospital officials, tour the laboratory facilities, and witness firsthand the advancements made under UCREPP. They also learned about the hospital’s rich history and its evolving role in the region’s healthcare landscape. The media engagement is part of the Ministry of Health’s effort to enhance transparency, keep the public informed, and highlight ongoing government efforts to improve healthcare across Uganda.

Speaking to the journalists, Dr. Kalisa Kyebambe Oscar, the Deputy Director of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, expressed optimism about the positive changes the new lab will bring.

“This facility will not only improve diagnosis and testing but also enable us to respond faster to outbreaks and routine healthcare needs. It’s a game-changer for the entire region,” he said.

The communications Officer, UCREPP Doreen Nshabohurira says the laboratory is projected to be completed by December 2024.

“We have informed the contractor to double the efforts so that the laboratory is handed over in December. The project faced challenges at the start especially change of design and bad weather that led to significant delays in the contrsuction. “Doreen said

The satellite laboratory is part of broader efforts by UCREPP to strengthen the country’s health system, which includes constructing laboratories, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), call and dispatch centres, and isolation units in various parts of Uganda.

A similar tour was conducted in Lira City on 2nd October where media were given access to the Regional Referral Hospital.

As the country continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure, the new Fort Portal lab symbolizes a brighter future for disease control, better diagnostics, and stronger health outcomes in the Tooro and Rwenzori region.