Mulago National Referral Hospital plans to introduce liver transplant services next year, a move expected to benefit hundreds of patients suffering from advanced liver diseases that require transplantation.
The hospital’s Executive Director, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, said that through specialized clinics, Mulago has identified several patients with chronic liver conditions who are in need of liver transplants.
Dr. Byanyima revealed that the hospital is partnering with Yashoda Hospitals in India, whose specialists will work closely with Mulago’s medical teams to conduct Uganda’s first-ever liver transplant next year.
She added that Mulago has sent multidisciplinary specialists to India and the United Kingdom for one-month training programs to strengthen their capacity ahead of the transplant initiative.
Upon their return, the teams will begin screening patients after refreshing their knowledge on the procedures and preparations required for liver transplantation.
So far, Mulago Hospital has successfully conducted three kidney transplants, marking a significant milestone for the hospital’s organ transplant department. Both recipients and donors are reported to be in stable condition.
Dr. Byanyima appealed to the government and the Ministry of Health to increase the hospital’s budget, noting that the number of patients seeking services is expected to rise. This will subsequently increase demand for medicines, sundries, and other supplies required for transplant procedures.
“We have been operating in a camp mode, where teams are mobilized to carry out procedures and then return to their respective units. However, we want transplant services to be continuous. This requires permanently stationed staff, which in turn calls for improved remuneration,” Dr. Byanyima explained.
She further noted that Mulago currently receives 8.6 billion shillings from the National Medical Stores for essential medicines and sundries, compared to an estimated optimal requirement of about 35 billion shillings.
The hospital has a budget of 23 billion shillings for patient medicines, against a projected need of 101 billion shillings to adequately meet demand. Dr. Byanyima said the limited budget constrains the hospital’s output and, in some cases, forces patients’ attendants to cover the cost of items the hospital is unable to provide.
As the country prepares to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, Dr. Byanyima assured the public that Mulago Hospital will remain fully operational throughout the festive season, as it has in previous years.
She noted that last year recorded fewer accident and emergency cases compared to the preceding year. She urged regional referral hospitals to prepare adequately for the festive period and to minimize unnecessary referrals that could overwhelm Mulago and affect service delivery.
Dr. Byanyima also expressed concern over understaffing at the hospital, stating that current staffing levels stand at 57 percent, which negatively impacts service delivery in some departments.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jane Nakibuuka, a Senior Consultant Physician and Chairperson of the Quality Assurance Committee at Mulago National Referral Hospital, announced that the hospital has received ISO certification from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
She said the certification covers three management systems: ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Dr. Nakibuuka explained that before attaining the certification, the hospital implemented several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare service delivery. She added that the certification will help Mulago maintain a consistent quality of care and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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