By Juma Nsubuga
President Museveni has expressed concern over the rampant cases of cardiovascular diseases in the country.
The President made the remarks through the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who represented him at the official Ground Breaking and Construction of a 250-bed specialized Heart Cardiac hospital at Naguru.
Museveni his speech, described the Groundbreaking of Uganda Heart Institute Infrastructure Development Project (UHIP) as a milestone in the continued efforts to strengthen healthcare in Uganda.
He says that over the years, the NRM Government has remained committed to strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system in alignment with Vision 2040, which seeks to transform Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation.
“A key pillar of this vision is ensuring that our people have access to quality, specialized healthcare so they can remain productive and contribute to national development” Museveni said adding that our journey with the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) has been marked by key interventions that have significantly improved heart health services in the country.
He says that in 2008/09 Financial Year, Government made a landmark decision by granting UHI self-accounting status, upgrading it from a department within Mulago National Referral Hospital to a fully-fledged vote.
“This enabled the institute to plan and manage its own budget effectively.
In 2010, we procured Uganda’s first post-independence Cath Lab, a critical facility for diagnosing and treating heart conditions” the President said.
Museveni further noted that in 2012, this Cath Lab was commissioned at a cost of USD4million, allowing Ugandans to access advanced cardiac care without seeking treatment abroad.
He added that government further strengthened UHI by enacting the Uganda Heart Institute Act, officially establishing it as an autonomous entity which he said ensured more efficiency and accountability in its operations.
Museveni said that over the years, the Government has continued to increase budgetary support for the institute, including funding for medical supplies, wages, recruitment of new staff, and procurement of advanced equipment to improve service delivery.
He also said that the old Cath Lab was replaced with a new one in 2024 to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities which he said that the investment is worth USD2.2 million.
“This support has been consistent with annual budgetary allocations increasing over time to ensure UHI meets the growing demand for heart healthcare” he noted.
Museveni however, expressed fear over rampant growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) despite all efforts by government.
Statistics show that CVDs are among the leading causes of death globally, and Uganda is no exception.
“This growing burden has increased demand for specialized cardiac care, yet UHI has long operated in inadequate facilities within Mulago National Referral Hospital” He expressed the fear.
He says that Government together with development partners has prioritized the construction of a dedicated, state-of-the-art home for UHI.
“Government through the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, secured USD 70 million in external financing from BADEA, OPEC Fund, and SFD to support this project” he confirmed adding that all relevant approvals were obtained and now it is time for effective execution.
Museveni urged all stakeholders Government agencies, project supervisors, contractors, and the Uganda Heart Institute leadership to ensure timely delivery of this project.
“Delays must not be entertained at any level. The people of Uganda deserve a fully operational, world-class heart institute within the agreed timeframe. I expect strict supervision to guarantee value for money and the highest standards of quality” he said.
The establishment of Heart Cardiac hospital in Uganda means the cost of treatment will be reduced from 20000USD’s to 5000USD’s.
According to doctors 1.4 adult Ugandans have heart related complications consisting 26.4% and 1 Of 100 new born babies also have heart complications.
Uganda spends 75USD’s annually of treatment abroad for heart patients.
The Uganda heart institute hospital project will occupy 10acres of land offered by government.
