Fort Portal Hospital Eyes Expansion with Surgical Complex and Staff Recruitment

Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital is advocating for increased government support to construct a dedicated surgical complex and recruit 146 new health professionals. These initiatives are crucial for expanding specialized medical services and establishing the hospital as a premier surgical center for the Tooro region and potentially the entire country.

Hospital Director Dr. Archbald Bahizi highlighted these as key priorities for the 2027/28 financial year, with proposals already submitted to the Ministry of Health. Dr. Bahizi noted that while the hospital has seen improvements in specialized care, infrastructure, and diagnostics, greater investment is needed to keep pace with the increasing patient load. The population in the Tooro sub-region, which the hospital serves, has seen a significant rise, adding pressure to existing facilities.

Recent recruitment efforts have improved the hospital’s staffing levels, but the addition of 146 workers would further bolster its capacity. The hospital has successfully attracted specialists in various fields, including surgery, orthopedics, ENT, gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry, enhancing its ability to manage complex cases locally and reduce the need for patient referrals to facilities in Kampala. This local capacity building aims to prevent preventable deaths that can occur during long-distance transfers.

Beyond surgical services, the hospital has made strides in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU), expanding from one to four beds, and significantly increasing the capacity of its Accident and Emergency department. Plans are also underway to establish a renal treatment unit and a specialized newborn intensive care unit. Technological advancements include the implementation of closed-circuit television cameras and a fully operational electronic medical records system. Furthermore, the hospital has installed piped oxygen in all wards and operates its own oxygen production plant, supplying neighboring health facilities.

The hospital’s laboratory has achieved international accreditation and boasts expanded diagnostic capabilities, including cancer-related tests, following upgrades to its pathology lab. Staff have undergone specialized training to enhance diagnostic services. While acknowledging these improvements, local officials are urging the hospital to better publicize its advanced services to ensure residents utilize local expertise, rather than traveling to the capital for treatments available at Fort Portal.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fort-portal-hospital-seeks-funding-for-surgical-complex-146-health-workers-5639922