Medics and leaders renew calls for second regional referral hospital in Busoga

Health experts and regional leaders in Busoga have intensified their call for the establishment of a second regional referral hospital, pointing to the region’s rapidly growing population of 4.3 million people.

This proposal was a key topic of discussion at the Annual Busoga Regional Health Assembly, which brings together key stakeholders including medical professionals, political leaders, academics, and development partners to address pressing health challenges.

The current regional referral hospital in Jinja is grappling with challenges, primarily due to the age of its infrastructure.

Many of the buildings at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital were constructed in the 1930s, and health experts argue that they have far exceeded their lifespan, making them unsuitable for modern medical services.

Prof. Peter Waiswa from Makerere University’s School of Public Health in his keynote address emphasized the need for better facilities, citing the deteriorating state of the hospital. “The buildings were condemned long ago; we need better infrastructure to meet the current healthcare demands,” he remarked.

Echoing his concerns, former Minister for the Presidency and current Luuka District Woman MP, Esther Mbayo, advocated for a new, modern hospital.

She stated that the population of Busoga, which is the second most densely populated region in Uganda, justifies the urgent need for another referral hospital.

According to Uganda’s Ministry of Health policy, each regional referral hospital is expected to serve a maximum population of 2.5 million, while Busoga’s population currently stands at 4.3 million.

Prof. Waiswa proposed that the Ministry of Health should consider upgrading either Iganga or Bugiri hospital to a regional referral status. “Let the Ministry allocate additional funds to either Iganga or Bugiri hospital to support the upgrade,” he added.

In response, Dr. Sarah Byakika, the Commissioner for Health Services Planning, Financing, and Policy at the Ministry of Health, assured the assembly that the government is in the final stages of planning for a second regional referral hospital in Busoga. “We are almost there. We’ve completed the mapping, and the people of Busoga can be assured they will get another regional referral hospital,” she said.

Esther Mbayo also emphasized the need to upgrade the existing health Centre IVs to General hospital especially in some districts which have no General Hospitals like Luuka, Kaliro, Buyende, Namayingo, Namutumba, Bugweri and Mayuge.

The call for additional healthcare infrastructure in the region was further supported by Hanifah Kawooya, the Minister of State for General Duties in the Ministry of Health.

She stressed the importance of regional health assemblies as platforms for accountability and problem-solving, allowing stakeholders to tackle the challenges facing the healthcare sector in the region.

As the region's population continues to grow, stakeholders hope that the government will prioritize the establishment of this much-needed facility to alleviate the strain on Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and improve healthcare delivery in Busoga.

The establishment of a second referral hospital would significantly enhance access to specialized medical care, reduce congestion, and ensure that the people of Busoga receive the quality healthcare services they deserve.

The growing call for a second regional referral hospital in Busoga and upgrade of some Health Centre IVs to General Hospital underlines the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure to serve the expanding population.

With government assurances in place, stakeholders remain optimistic that Busoga will soon receive a new regional hospital, marking a crucial step forward in addressing the region’s health challenges.