Scores of people flocked to the Regional Parish Development Model Expo at Mbarara City’s Independence Park to access free medical services offered by Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). The hospital’s TB Clinic team showcased their newly acquired Mobile TB Clinic, equipped with cutting-edge technology, including GeneXpert and mobile X-rays.
The Mobile TB Clinic was a highlight of the expo, which aimed to promote health and economic development in the region. The event attracted various institutions, including small and medium enterprises from the city.
Halson Kagure, the Public Relations Officer at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, emphasized the importance of health in achieving success. “Health is the foundation of progress. We’re here to screen your health and offer quality care to improve your life,” he said.
In March this year, while handing over the TB Mobile Van, the State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, Hon. Anifa Kawooya, noted that over 95,000 people are screened for TB at MRRH on a monthly basis, with 22,000 undergoing diagnostic tests.
Judith Ntamwija, a health worker who participated in the screening exercise, stressed that TB can affect anyone and encouraged attendees to take advantage of the free screening services. She assured the public that TB is curable and advised them to look out for symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, joint pain, and weight loss.
Residents thanked MRRH for bringing services closer to them, citing transportation challenges as a barrier to seeking medical care. Kagure assured them that the Mobile Van would continue to reach out to communities, aligning with the government’s Global End TB Strategy.
Further, the hospital receives support from USAID through the USAID Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Strengthening Activity, which aims to enhance TB services in the region. The hospital has achieved notable successes in treating TB patients, and the Mobile TB Clinic exemplifies the government’s commitment to combating the disease.
The MRRH’s Public Relations Officer commended the administration, led by Acting Director Dr. Deus Twesigye, and the ISS team, led by Dr. Winnie Muyindike, for their support in participating in the expo.
Patients who test positive are always referred to the referral hospital or other public health facilities to begin TB treatment.
Uganda ranks among the top 30 countries globally with the highest number of TB cases, with approximately 30 deaths daily, predominantly among people living with HIV. This underscores the need for continued efforts to combat TB and address its intersection with HIV in Uganda.
