The Ministry of Health today Saturday, commissioned a new theatre at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Northern City Division, Mbale city.
The theatre was constructed by Seed Global Health, an organization from the United States of America, and took nine months to complete.
According to Iren Atuhairwe, Country Director of Seed Global Health, the organization installed cameras, oxygen supply, beds, an air conditioner, and other equipment in the theatre, at a total cost of 400 million shillings.
She said they constructed the theatre because Mbale Regional Referral Hospital’s single theatre was too small to handle operations for expectant mothers and other patients.
“We want to reduce the waiting time for patients undergoing operations and minimize deaths caused by delayed surgeries,” Mrs Atuhairwe said.
Richard Mugayi, Commissioner of Reproductive Health at the Ministry of Health, expressed his appreciation to Seed Global Health for partnering with the hospital to establish the facility, which will benefit Ugandans.
He noted that Mbale Regional Referral Hospital serves a large population across several districts, making it a critical healthcare facility.
“As the Ministry of Health, we will ensure that Mbale Regional Referral Hospital’s budget is increased from 21 billion to 30 billion shillings, considering it serves a large population across many districts,” Mugayi said.
Emmanuel Obo, Director of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, stated that the hospital serves approximately 4.5 million people from 16 districts in Eastern Uganda, including Teso, Bugisu, Sebei, and Bukedi regions.
He noted that the hospital handles around 600 deliveries monthly, with 30% requiring caesarean sections, putting a strain on the facility’s single theatre. This limits services to other patients requiring similar care, given the hospital’s limited equipment and facilities.
“We’re pleased with the new theatre, as it will help reduce the four-hour operation time and cater to our large patient volume,” Mr. Obo said.
The long wait for caesarean sections had contributed to maternal and infant deaths at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, a situation expected to improve with the new facility.
Obo appealed to development partners to support the hospital, as government funding alone is insufficient. He confirmed plans to train staff to operate the new equipment in the theatre.
Professor Paulo Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, said Mbale Regional Referral Hospital serves as a teaching hospital for medical students from the Faculty of Health.
He noted that students had faced challenges conducting practicals and internships in the congested theatre. “As a university, we’re proud of this facility, as it will enable our medical students to conduct studies and practicals effectively with sufficient space and modern equipment,” Waako said.
Chinese Ambassador Oliver Wonekha urged the community to utilize the facility and expectant mothers to deliver at health centres.
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