The Committee on Government Assurances has directed the Ministry of Health to harmonize its position on the user fees charged for Computed Tomography (CT) scan services in government hospitals. The move comes after discrepancies were observed in the Ministry’s stance during an oversight visit to evaluate the implementation of government assurances in the health sector in the Eastern region.
During the visit to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, the hospital director, Stephen Obbo, informed the MPs that they charge UGX 150,000 for CT-scan services. This fee is utilized for the procurement of consumables, equipment maintenance, and repairs to ensure the sustainability of the service.
This charge contradicted the declaration by the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Anifa Kawooya, who had stated that CT-scan services are free. Committee Chairperson, Betty Nambooze, reminded the MPs that the minister had conveyed this information during a meeting with the committee, emphasizing that such services, funded by taxpayers, should be provided free of charge. She also suggested that Parliament could allocate funds to maintain this essential equipment.
To the surprise of the MPs, the hospital director presented a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, dated June 2, 2023. This letter directed hospitals to charge a certain amount for CT-scan services, contradicting the minister’s previous statement.
Committee Chairperson Nambooze expressed her concern, stating that the purpose of the committee is to combat political deception. She emphasized that it is essential for the Ministry to revise its position and ensure consistency.
Robert Ssekitoleeko noted that the Ministry had failed to establish a standardized user fee for CT-scan services in government hospitals. He argued that this lack of uniformity was creating room for potential abuse. Furthermore, he pointed out that different hospitals were charging varying fees, making the situation even more confusing.
MPs also highlighted the disparity in charges, with Jinja charging UGX 120,000, Mbale charging UGX 150,000, Mukono charging UGX 50,000, and Mbarara offering the services for free. This inconsistency further complicates the issue.
Julius Emigu and Connie Galiwango expressed their concern that the lack of a clear policy on CT-scan fees might lead to the shutdown of these essential services if the Ministry fails to harmonize its stance on the matter.
The MPs pledged to raise the issue in Parliament as a matter of national importance during the next session.
