MPs Urge Government to Renovate Dilapidated Hospitals

Members of Parliament have expressed strong concerns regarding the deteriorating state of many public hospitals and are urging the government to allocate resources for their renovation and upgrading. The call comes amid reports of inadequate infrastructure and stalled projects that hinder effective healthcare delivery.

Hon. Joan Alobo, representing Soroti City, pointed out the critical lack of basic facilities at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where male and female patients are forced to share a single ward. She called upon the Minister for Health to present a comprehensive plan for the hospital’s refurbishment, referencing President Museveni’s directives on improving health infrastructure.

Similar concerns were raised by Hon. Umar Nangoli for Mbale City, who highlighted the stalled construction of a vital multi-purpose complex at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Originally planned in 2015, the project has suffered from severe underfunding, with only a fraction of the required Shs14 billion allocated, leaving a funding gap of Shs26 billion.

In Ssembabule District, Hon. Emmanuel Rwashande lamented the absence of a district referral hospital, forcing residents to travel to neighboring districts for medical care. He advocated for the establishment of necessary health centers within his constituency to bring services closer to the people.

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, supported the MPs’ calls by emphasizing the need for more national referral hospitals to decentralize services currently concentrated at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He suggested leveraging institutions like Mbarara University of Science and Technology, which have specialized medical expertise.

Responding to these concerns, the State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care), Hon. Charles Ayume, acknowledged the dilapidated infrastructure at Soroti Hospital and confirmed that plans are underway for its improvement, including potential relocation or remodeling. He also detailed government initiatives to decentralize specialized services like oncology and cardiovascular treatment by establishing new units in Gulu, and future hospitals in West Nile, Mbarara, and Mbale. The Minister noted that these ambitious plans, while requiring significant funding, are becoming more feasible with improved national infrastructure, including electricity access.

Source: Parliament of Uganda