Members of Parliament from the Budget Committee have emphasized the necessity of substantial government funding for the Ministry of Health. During a session on January 18, 2024, Bukanga County Member of Parliament, Hon. Stephen Kangwagye, urged prioritized funding for the procurement of testing kits in health centers nationwide.
Kangwagye highlighted the issue of poor diagnosis of non-communicable diseases in rural health centers, leading to increased pressure on regional referral hospitals. He pointed out that lack of accurate diagnosis contributes to the escalation of diseases due to self-medication.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Charles Ayume, presented a report on the Budget Framework Paper for the financial year 2024/2025. Ayume stressed that while most non-communicable diseases can be detected in lower-level health facilities, many lack basic diagnostic equipment. The committee previously recommended a provision of Shs4 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year for this purpose, which was not provided.
The committee reiterated its recommendation for an additional Shs4 billion to be allocated to the National Medical Stores for the procurement of glucometers, BP machines, and thermometers for 3000 health centers nationwide. Furthermore, they proposed Shs25 billion for the procurement of rapid diagnostic kits for diseases such as malaria and HIV.
MPs welcomed the recommendation to allocate additional funding for the Ministry of Health to establish four regional cardiac centers. The Health Committee proposed an additional funding of Shs51 billion in a phased manner to set up these centers in Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka, and Gulu.
Ayume highlighted the progress in the construction of a state-of-the-art 250-bed heart hospital in Naguru, following Parliament’s approval of a US$70 million loan. Construction works are set to commence upon the procurement of a contractor, with the Uganda Heart Institute continuing to provide services at Mulago Hospital.
Hon. Elijah Okupa emphasized the importance of regional balance when establishing heart centers, urging provision for areas like Mbale, Soroti, Arua, Hoima, and Fort Portal, which are distant and require these essential services.
