The Government of Uganda has provided clarification regarding the charges for kidney transplant procedures at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja emphasized that the reported cost of 46 million shillings for a kidney transplant was misinformation and that the government has yet to determine the actual cost of the procedure.
During the Prime Minister’s Question Time at the parliamentary plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Nabbanja disclosed that the government has authorized only five kidney transplant procedures at Mulago Hospital as part of the preparations to operationalize the Organ Transplant facility. Importantly, these procedures will be offered at no cost to patients suffering from severe kidney disease and undergoing dialysis.
Responding to concerns raised by Central Youth Representative Agnes Kirabo about the affordability of kidney transplants, Nabbanja reiterated that the reported cost was not accurate and emphasized that the government has not established the definitive cost of the procedure.
Nabbanja further explained that the government’s plan, in collaboration with the Mulago Hospital team, is to determine the appropriate pricing for kidney transplants after conducting more procedures. This approach aims to gather sufficient data to accurately assess the cost implications and ensure fairness in pricing.
While acknowledging the challenges associated with the high costs of specialized medical services, Nabbanja highlighted the successful kidney transplant conducted at Mulago Hospital in December 2023 by Ugandan doctors and experts from India. She expressed optimism that such advancements in healthcare would alleviate the financial burden on Ugandans who previously had to travel abroad for costly transplant procedures.
Nabbanja emphasized that the success of Mulago Hospital in providing kidney transplant services domestically would significantly reduce the need for Ugandans to seek treatment abroad, where expenses often exceed $18,000 USD on average, excluding travel and maintenance costs.
