Mbarara Cancer Centre to Ease Mulago's Burden, Boost Regional Care

Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Hon. Charles Ayume, has advocated for a proposed Shs139 billion loan from the French government to establish the Uganda Cancer Institute Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre. This new facility is part of a broader strategy to decentralize cancer care and reduce the significant strain on the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala.

During a Health Committee meeting, Ayume highlighted the immense financial and logistical burden faced by patients traveling long distances for treatment. The Mbarara center is intended to bring essential services, including cancer screening, chemotherapy, and surgery, closer to patients in western Uganda and beyond, thereby improving early detection rates and preventing avoidable deaths.

Ayume also noted the potential for the Mbarara center to bolster medical tourism within the East African Community, leveraging the existing 20% of foreign patients currently treated at UCI. While the primary focus remains on serving Ugandans, the center could become a regional hub for cancer treatment.

The Uganda Cancer Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Jackson Orem, clarified that initial services will focus on core treatments due to funding limitations, with radiotherapy services remaining exclusive to the Kampala facility for the time being. Mbarara University of Science and Technology has committed 8.5 acres for the project and is finalizing an agreement with UCI, also noting the university’s readiness to support the center with trained personnel.

Concerns were raised by the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Rude, regarding the provision of the government’s Shs16 billion counterpart funding, emphasizing its importance for project continuity. Additionally, Hon. Peter Kiti suggested the establishment of a dedicated fund for expensive cancer medications and research into herbal remedies.

This initiative represents a significant step towards equitable cancer care distribution in Uganda, aiming to make treatment more accessible and effective for a wider population. Further details on the project’s progress and funding can be found via the source link.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4659/mbarara-cancer-centre-reduce-congestion-mulago-ayume