The Ugandan government has officially launched the construction of a world-class cardiac hospital to address the growing burden of heart diseases in the country.
The facility, to be built in Naguru, Kampala, will be a game-changer for cardiovascular care in Uganda, offering advanced treatment and reducing the need for costly referrals abroad.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, hailing the project as a significant milestone in Uganda’s healthcare sector.
The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) Specialised Hospital will be a 10-floor, 250-bed facility equipped with 40 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, three operating theatres, and two catheterization labs to provide top-tier cardiovascular treatment.
Addressing the Growing Burden of Heart Disease
For years, hundreds of Ugandans suffering from complex heart conditions have been forced to seek specialised treatment abroad due to the country’s limited cardiovascular infrastructure.
Many patients unable to afford overseas treatment are left without options, often leading to preventable deaths.
However, the launch of this $70 million project is expected to transform Uganda’s heart healthcare landscape. Once operational in 2027, the hospital will provide lifesaving care to over 7,000 heart patients annually, easing the burden on both individuals and the government.
Reducing Costly Referrals Abroad
Uganda has long relied on referring critical heart patients to countries such as India, South Africa, and Kenya for specialised procedures. This has not only strained families financially but also cost the government substantial foreign exchange. The establishment of a fully equipped, independent Uganda Heart Institute will drastically cut these expenses while positioning Uganda as a regional leader in cardiovascular treatment.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng emphasised that the facility is a major step towards achieving medical self-sufficiency.
“This hospital is part of our strategy to reduce referrals abroad, retain our foreign exchange, and improve specialised training and research in cardiovascular medicine,” Dr Aceng said.
A Solution to Uganda’s Medical Brain Drain
Uganda has faced the persistent challenge of losing top cardiologists to countries with better medical infrastructure. The lack of advanced facilities has made it difficult for specialists to practice their expertise locally.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine expressed optimism that the new cardiac hospital will help reverse this brain drain by attracting highly trained Ugandan specialists back home.
“We need to create an environment where our specialists feel valued and supported. Many Ugandan experts left the country due to a lack of equipment and infrastructure. With this new facility, we believe they will return to serve their country,” Atwiine noted.
Beyond treatment, the hospital will serve as a leading institution for training and research in cardiovascular medicine.
The Board Chairman of the Uganda Heart Institute, Dr. James Magara, emphasised that the facility is more than just a hospital—it is a centre of hope and medical excellence.
“We are not just constructing a building. We are creating a lifeline for thousands of patients. This hospital will provide the highest standard of cardiovascular care for children and adults alike,” he said.
The project will also expand opportunities for local and international partnerships in medical research, helping to advance early detection, prevention, and treatment of heart diseases.
Funding and Timeline
The construction of the hospital is being financed through a $70 million loan secured from international development partners, including:
- Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
- OPEC Fund for International Development
- Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)
The Uganda Heart Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. John Omagino, assured the public that once completed, the hospital will offer affordable and accessible cardiovascular care, reducing dependency on foreign medical institutions.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking of Uganda’s first fully equipped specialised cardiac hospital marks a turning point in the country’s fight against cardiovascular diseases. With heart-related conditions on the rise due to changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and genetic predispositions, the establishment of a dedicated, world-class heart institute is a timely and much-needed development.
The government remains committed to ensuring that by 2027, Uganda will have a state-of-the-art cardiac facility capable of handling all forms of heart-related medical needs—offering hope to thousands who previously had none.
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