The Gulu Regional Cancer Centre is on the verge of completion, with plans for its official opening slated for mid-June this year. The project, which has been progressing in phases, is currently nearing 90% completion, with the contractor focusing on final touches such as the construction of a perimeter wall fence and a gate to mark the completion of the first phase.
Already, significant milestones have been achieved in the construction process. Essential facilities including a waiting area, outpatient department, pharmacy, wards, intensive care unit, kitchen, laundry, and mortuary have been completed. Additionally, medical equipment such as a CT scan machine has been installed in various units, including ultrasound, mammography, digital x-ray, CT scan, and the operating theatre.
Recently, on April 12, 2024, the Uganda Cancer Institute Board, under the leadership of chairman Prof. William Bazeyo, conducted an inspection tour of the regional cancer centre. Situated on a 4.5-acre plot of land in Pece–Laroo Division in Gulu city, the centre holds promise for enhanced cancer care services in the region.
Looking ahead, Julius Ddamulira, the project architect, outlined plans for the next phases of the project. These include the construction of a radiology department, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite, the main hospital building, an emergency unit, an administration block, and private wards. Further expansions are anticipated in subsequent phases, pending the acquisition of additional land.
As construction progresses, Amos Obote, the in-charge of the regional cancer centre, reported that the existing staff of 19 members have commenced attending to patients. The centre has already served a significant number of clients, with 377 individuals receiving care from July to December last year, of which 221 were cancer patients.
Dr Jackson Orem, the executive director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, highlighted recent recruitment efforts aimed at bolstering staffing levels at the Gulu Regional Cancer Centre. With the official opening scheduled for mid-June, preparations are in full swing to ensure seamless operations and quality care delivery.
Acknowledging the potential influx of patients from the Northern region and neighboring countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Prof. Bazeyo emphasized the importance of providing adequate facilities. Plans are underway to establish waiting areas for patients’ attendants, with considerations for future policies regarding service charges for foreign nationals seeking treatment at the centre.
The Gulu Regional Cancer Centre represents a significant step forward in expanding cancer care services beyond the National Cancer Institute. Alongside centres in Mbale, Mbarara, and Arua, it aims to alleviate the burden of cancer care by providing accessible and quality services to the local population and beyond.
