First Lady Janet Museveni expressed her admiration for the Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital in Kampala during a recent visit. This hospital, dedicated to women’s and neonatal health, has garnered praise for its exceptional services. Ms. Museveni commended the institution for its commitment to excellence, acknowledging that she was pleasantly surprised by the high-quality healthcare services available within Uganda.
“I want to thank you on behalf of the nation for what you are doing and for providing the services that are truly excellent that I had no idea we had in this country,” Ms. Museveni said. Her visit left a deep impression, highlighting the significant progress and capabilities present in Uganda’s healthcare system.
“We have a nation that has been rebuilt, a homeland that has systems to support our people that can provide services. I have no words for what walking through this hospital has done for me as a woman, a mother, and as a humble leader in the country to know that we are…rebuilding our nation and lifting it up,” she added.
In her message to the public, the First Lady encouraged Ugandans to consider seeking medical care within the country rather than seeking treatment abroad for services available at institutions like the Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, provided valuable insights into the hospital’s capabilities. With a capacity of 450 beds, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital stands as the largest facility offering highly specialized medical services in both Uganda and the surrounding region. The hospital, constructed by Arab contractors at a cost of $25.14 million, was initiated in June 2015 and completed in August 2018. It caters to a wide array of specialized services, including maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, and neonatal intensive care.
Dr. Aceng also highlighted a significant achievement in maternal healthcare. Over the years, there has been a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality rates, dropping from 336 per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 189 per 100,000 live births in 2022. This achievement underscores the unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of newborns and mothers within the healthcare system.
Dr. Evelyn Christine Nabunya, the Executive Director of the hospital, shared exciting plans for the future. The hospital is preparing to establish an active In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit, equipped with top-notch expertise, to serve as a center of excellence within the region. Dr. Nabunya expressed gratitude to the government’s leadership for recognizing the unique societal need to empower women through healthcare services.
However, she also voiced concerns about the hospital’s challenges. Inadequate human and financial resources, coupled with high maintenance costs for the medical equipment, pose significant hurdles. These issues underscore the need for continued support and investment in healthcare infrastructure to maintain the high standards set by institutions like Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital.
