New Entebbe Hospital to Enhance Eye and ENT Care in Uganda

Uganda is on the cusp of a significant upgrade in specialized healthcare with the upcoming construction of the Emirates Specialty Hospital in Entebbe. This new 100-bed facility, slated to break ground next month, will primarily focus on Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) conditions and ophthalmology.

Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine highlighted the pressing need for such a center, noting that current facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, are overwhelmed by the demand for eye and ENT services. Many patients seek treatment for complex conditions like corneal transplants, often traveling abroad for specialized care.

The hospital is designed to operate as a referral center, concentrating on complex and specialized cases rather than general walk-in patients. Future plans include expanding its services to include maxillofacial, neurosurgery, and spine surgery, creating a comprehensive head and neck care center.

Funded and built by the UAE government as a gesture of goodwill, the hospital is expected to be completed by May 2027, with operations commencing on July 1, 2027. The project consultants, Areem Plus, revealed that the 13.8-acre facility will be equipped with advanced technology, including three operating theaters, modern lasers, and femtosecond equipment for eye treatments.

This initiative is part of a global hospital program by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is anticipated to not only serve Uganda but also act as a leading medical hub for the broader African region, strengthening bilateral ties.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-specialised-hospital-in-entebbe-to-boost-ent-eye-care-5457092