By KT Reporter
Masaka Regional Referral Hospital is set to begin offering highly specialised diagnostic and imaging medical services following the construction of a modern radiology centre.
The Shs 2.3 billion facility, funded by the Government of Uganda, began last year and is intended to enhance the hospital’s capacity to conduct advanced medical examinations.
Freaner Akora, the Clerk of Works at the site, said the main construction work has been completed and the facility is expected to be handed over for use by March next year.
She explained that the project is currently at the final stages, including painting, flooring, and landscaping, after which installation of medical equipment will commence.
Dr David Kasadha, a senior radiologist at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, said the new centre will be equipped with ultra-modern diagnostic and imaging equipment, including ultrasound and CT scan machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), endoscopy, and mammogram equipment.
According to Dr Kasadha, the equipment will greatly improve the accurate diagnosis of various health conditions, leading to better patient management.
He noted that some of the equipment will be installed at the hospital for the first time, significantly boosting the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality services.
Currently, the hospital’s radiology unit only has an ultrasound scan and an X-ray machine, which limits the scope of examinations for patients who require specialised diagnostic services.
Dr Kasadha added that on average, the hospital receives between 150 and 200 patients every month who require diagnostic services, but many are referred elsewhere due to a lack of appropriate equipment.
He said that once completed, the radiology centre will not only save patients from travelling long distances and incurring high costs but will also allow specialists to fully utilise their expertise, thereby improving efficiency in service delivery.
The hospital’s Principal Administrator, Robert Mpanga, expressed optimism that the new centre will broaden the hospital’s service delivery scope and improve overall efficiency. He noted that the hospital currently struggles to conduct some critical medical investigations, a situation that has caused dissatisfaction among patients.
However, Swaibu Makumbi, the Coordinator of the Greater Masaka Social Rights Advocates Initiative, has urged the Ministry of Health to put in place mechanisms to ensure that diagnostic services at the new centre remain free of charge so as to benefit ordinary citizens.
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