Lira | Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero announced on Wednesday that the government will establish heart institutes in each of the country’s 16 regional hospitals, marking a significant step towards addressing congenital heart defects.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of a three-day heart surgery camp at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, which focused on addressing historical heart-related health issues in the region.
Dr. Aceng, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Lira City, revealed that approximately 16,000 children are born with heart defects in Uganda each year.
To combat this growing health concern, the Ministry of Health plans to construct specialized heart institutes to improve access to cardiac care nationwide.
Dr. Aceng announced the establishment of a institute centre at Lira University, with a focus on the Lango sub-region. The university has set aside 20 acres of land for this purpose, with 5 acres specifically reserved for the heart institute.
This facility is expected to serve as a hub for cardiac care, research, and training in the region.
The three-day surgical camp at Lira Regional Referral Hospital was a historic step towards addressing the area’s heart-related health challenges.
Dr. Aceng emphasised the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and providing Ugandans with specialised medical services.
“This initiative is a testament to our dedication to saving lives and improving the quality of healthcare for all Ugandans, especially children born with heart defects,” said Dr. Aceng.
“The construction of these heart institutes will not only provide treatment but also foster research and training to build local capacity in cardiac care.”
The announcement has been welcomed by healthcare professionals and people across Lango, who have long faced challenges in accessing specialized heart care. The new heart institute at Lira University is expected to significantly reduce the burden of heart-related diseases.
The Ministry of Health is set to begin the construction process soon, she said, with the aim of operationalizing the institutes within the next few years.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
As the country moves forward with this ambitious project, stakeholders are hopeful that it will mark a new era in cardiac care, saving countless lives and improving the overall health outcomes for Ugandans.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.