Health 30 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Jinja Hospital Lacks Dedicated Neurosurgeon, Relying on General Surgeon
Jinja Regional Referral Hospital is reportedly operating without a dedicated neurosurgeon, forcing a general surgeon with on-the-job training to handle complex brain and spinal cases. The hospital states it requires at least three neurosurgeons to meet patient demand. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/jinja-hospital-operates-without-neurosurgeon-management-says-5514198
Patients needing specialized brain and spinal surgeries at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital are facing significant hurdles as the facility lacks a dedicated neurosurgeon. Hospital management confirmed that a general surgeon, who received training in neurosurgery at Mulago National Referral Hospital, is currently managing these complex cases.
According to Dr. Alfred Yayi, the hospital’s Senior Executive Consultant, this arrangement is not ideal, and the facility ideally needs at least three neurosurgeons to adequately serve the population of the Busoga sub-region and surrounding areas. The current situation was highlighted during a recent 10-day medical camp conducted by specialist Turkish doctors.
Unfortunately, patients awaiting neurosurgical interventions could not be treated during the camp as the visiting medical team did not include a neurosurgeon. The medical camp, a collaboration between Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and the Turkish medical specialists, also provided valuable training opportunities for local health workers. During the camp, 2,323 patients were screened, with 100 undergoing major surgeries and 300 receiving minor procedures.