Health 18 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Masaka Hospital's CT Scanner Breakdown Leaves Patients Stranded
Patients at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital are facing significant challenges as the facility's only CT scanner has been non-operational for over a month, forcing them to seek essential diagnostic services from private providers at a higher cost. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/masaka-hospital-ct-scan-breakdown-leaves-patients-stranded-5563090
Patients seeking crucial diagnostic imaging services at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital are experiencing considerable distress due to a prolonged breakdown of the facility’s sole CT scanner. The machine, installed in 2023, has been out of service for more than a month, compelling patients, including accident victims, to seek scans at private clinics in Masaka, Mbarara, or Kampala.
The hospital’s principal administrator, Robert Mpanga, explained that the machine’s frequent use, with daily scans ranging from 20 to 40, has led to excessive wear and tear. “It is the cheapest CT scan in the region, so this machine is heavily loaded,” Mpanga stated, adding that the hospital has contacted the supplier and is awaiting the arrival of necessary spare parts for repairs.
This is the second major malfunction since the scanner was procured by the Ministry of Health. The inability to perform CT scans has a significant impact, as this diagnostic tool is vital for detecting various conditions, from tumors and lesions to injuries and internal abnormalities. For patients involved in road traffic accidents, a common occurrence in the region, timely CT scans are often critical for effective treatment.
Patient rights activists have voiced concerns, emphasizing that many individuals served by the hospital cannot afford the higher costs associated with private diagnostic centers. “The hospital serves common people who cannot afford the cost of CT scan services in private facilities. The machine should be prioritised and repaired as soon as possible to save our people,” urged activist Swaibu Makumbi Sulambaya.
Masaka Regional Referral Hospital serves a population of over two million across nine districts and Masaka City. Its strategic location on the busy Kampala-Mbarara-Kigali highway makes it a vital hub for victims of road accidents, including international travellers. The breakdown of essential equipment like the CT scanner places an undue burden on this critical healthcare facility and the community it serves.