Uganda spends approximately Shs 300 billion annually on patients seeking specialized medical care abroad, according to Dianah Ssewanyana, manager of Business Development and Operations at Aga Khan University Hospital in Uganda. This revelation was made during a media tour of the hospital’s new facility in Nakawa, Kampala.
Ssewanyana said many Ugandans travel to countries such as India, Germany, and Kenya for treatments unavailable locally, placing a significant financial burden on individuals and the nation’s healthcare system.
The opening of Aga Khan University Hospital in Nakawa marks a pivotal moment for Uganda’s healthcare sector, which has long faced challenges due to limited access to specialized medical services.
The country’s health system struggles with underfunded public hospitals, a shortage of advanced medical equipment, and a lack of specialized personnel, forcing patients to seek costly treatments abroad.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease are on the rise in Uganda, with the ministry of Health estimating that NCDs account for over 35% of annual deaths. ‘
The establishment of a world-class facility like Aga Khan Hospital is expected to address these gaps and improve health outcomes for Ugandans.
“We are exceedingly honored to announce that our facility will provide advanced medical services, including cancer treatment, diabetes management, organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, and kidney care, among other treatments for non-communicable diseases,” Ssewanyana said.
“These services will significantly improve the health sector and make quality care more accessible to the community.”
Ssewanyana emphasized that the hospital’s services will be relatively affordable compared to the costs of seeking treatment abroad.
“Our goal is to provide high-quality care at a fraction of the cost Ugandans currently pay when traveling to other countries,” she added.
The hospital, which is already partially operational, has seen an overwhelming influx of patients, not only from Uganda but also from neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
Karim Sayani, Director of Strategic Communication at Aga Khan University, noted that the institution is collaborating with Mulago Hospital and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to enhance its operations and pursue a university charter.
“These partnerships will ensure that we contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s healthcare and education sectors,” Sayani said.
