The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) has officially broken ground for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art 250-bed capacity cardiac hospital in Naguru. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Uganda’s commitment to providing world-class cardiovascular care and reducing the burden of heart disease in the country and the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of this modern cardiac hospital was officiated by Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of ministers, ambassadors, development partners, and key stakeholders. This project signals the government’s dedication to improving specialized healthcare services in alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040.
In her speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the new heart hospital, stating, “The Government of Uganda remains committed to strengthening the healthcare system by ensuring that our people have access to quality, specialized medical services. This facility will transform cardiac care, reduce referrals abroad, and save countless lives.”
Our Journey of Progress and Expansion
Over the years, the Uganda Heart Institute has made significant strides in advancing cardiac care. Key milestones include:
- 2008/09 – UHI was granted self-accounting status, enabling better budget management and strategic planning.
- 2010 – Procurement of Uganda’s first post-independence Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
- 2012 – Commissioning of the Cath Lab, which greatly reduced the need for Ugandans to seek cardiac treatment abroad.
- 2016 – Enactment of the Uganda Heart Institute Act, granting UHI increased autonomy and operational efficiency.
- 2024 – Upgrade of the Cath Lab to a new, state-of-the-art facility, further reinforcing UHI’s capacity for specialized cardiac care.
The New UHI Home: A Game-Changer in Cardiac Care
With the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Uganda, the need for a dedicated, modern cardiac facility has never been more pressing. The Government, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, has secured USD 70 million in external financing from BADEA, OPEC Fund, and SFD to support the construction of the 250-bed capacity hospital.
The new facility will feature:
- A cutting-edge, fully equipped cardiac hospital to address the growing demand for heart healthcare.
- Expanded capacity to reduce patient referrals abroad, making advanced treatment accessible locally.
- A dedicated training and research center to enhance expertise in cardiovascular medicine.
- Increased job opportunities for healthcare professionals, strengthening Uganda’s medical workforce.
Dr. Omagino O.O. John, Executive Director of UHI, noted, “This groundbreaking marks a defining moment in our mission to provide world-class cardiovascular care. The new 250-bed facility will not only treat more patients but also boost research and training for the next generation of specialists.”
Ensuring Timely Completion and Quality Standards
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Nabbanja urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, project supervisors, and contractors to ensure that the construction of the 250-bed cardiac hospital is completed within the agreed timeframe and meets the highest standards of quality.
“Delays must not be entertained at any level. Ugandans deserve a fully operational, world-class heart institute that meets their needs efficiently and effectively,” she emphasized.
The groundbreaking event highlighted the strong collaboration between the Government of Uganda and its development partners. Dr. James Magara, Chairman of the UHI Board of Directors, expressed deep appreciation to BADEA, OPEC Fund, and SFD for their vital support in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure.
As construction begins, the UHI remains committed to delivering on its mission of excellence in cardiovascular care, research, and training. The project is expected to be completed within the next two years.
If you missed the event, you can watch it on the UHI YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/v8U-lryQwmM?si=KBVvqSn5qwRw40zA
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