The newly installed Catheterization Laboratory Theatre (CathLab) at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) is a specialized heart theater equipped with state-of-the-art 2024 technology, making it the only facility of its kind in Africa. Replacing the previous CathLab, installed in 2012 and funded by the Government of Uganda. The new CathLab replaces the previous one, installed in 2012 and funded by the Government of Uganda. Installation of the new facility, valued at UGX 7.98 billion, began in October 2024, after the decommissioning of the old CathLab in the same month. Officially commissioned on, 17th December 2024, it is expected to perform 10,000 complex heart procedures during its lifespan, significantly enhancing cardiac diagnosis, treatment, and emergency care in Uganda while reducing the need for overseas treatment.
The previous CathLab successfully performed 6,000 procedures, which, if referred abroad, would have cost USD 120 million (USD 20,000 per procedure). However, conducting these operations locally at UHI cost USD 30 million (USD 5,000 per procedure), saving USD 90 million.
With the new CathLab theatre, these savings are projected to increase to USD 150 million, further easing the financial burden on patients and the government while ensuring accessible, high-quality cardiac care within the country.
