Overview of Healthcare Rankings by Region
A recent government report has shed light on the state of healthcare across different regions in Uganda, revealing disparities in both access to and quality of care. The report, titled Harmonised Health Facility Assessment in Uganda, 2023, was launched during the 10th National Health Care Quality Improvement Conference by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
According to the findings, healthcare facilities in Kampala, West Nile, South Central, Busoga, Tooro, and Acholi regions scored the highest in the general service readiness index. This index measures the capacity of health facilities to provide services, with scores ranging from 0.60 to 0.66, surpassing the national average of 0.59. Conversely, regions such as Karamoja, Bugisu, and Lango scored the lowest, indicating significant disparities in access to care.
Insights from the Report
The report, based on a survey conducted in 2022 across 642 public and private facilities, highlights improvements in the availability and provision of healthcare services compared to previous assessments. Prof. Christopher Garimoi Orach, the lead of the Makerere University School of Public Health team, noted a general improvement in the general service readiness index, which rose from 48% to 59%.
While there have been advancements, challenges persist, particularly in areas such as cancer diagnosis and transportation services. Prof. Orach emphasized the need for the Ministry of Health to strengthen these areas, especially at regional referral hospitals, to ensure broader access to essential services.
Regional Disparities and Recommendations
Disparities were evident in the availability of essential medicines and equipment across regions. North Central, West Nile, and Kampala exhibited higher percentages of facilities with World Health Organization (WHO) essential medicines compared to other regions.
In response to the report, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng acknowledged the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, particularly in terms of finance. She emphasized the importance of innovation and efficiency in addressing these challenges, highlighting the need to maximize existing resources and reduce wastage.
Conclusion
The government’s release of regional healthcare rankings provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare systems across Uganda. By identifying disparities and areas for improvement, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
General Service Readiness Index by Region
| Region | General Service Readiness Index |
|---|---|
| National | 0.59 (636 health facilities assessed) |
| Kampala | 0.66 (99 health facilities assessed) |
| West Nile | 0.66 (40 health facilities assessed) |
| South Central | 0.60 (84 health facilities assessed) |
| Busoga | 0.60 (47 health facilities assessed) |
| Tooro | 0.60 (42 health facilities assessed) |
| Acholi | 0.60 (28 health facilities assessed) |
| Bunyoro | 0.58 (27 health facilities assessed) |
| North Central | 0.57 (64 health facilities assessed) |
| Ankole | 0.57 (50 health facilities assessed) |
| Bukedi | 0.57 (27 health facilities assessed) |
| Kigezi | 0.56 (33 health facilities assessed) |
| Teso | 0.56 (29 health facilities assessed) |
| Karamoja | 0.56 (16 health facilities assessed) |
| Bugisu | 0.55 (27 health facilities assessed) |
| Lango | 0.54 (23 health facilities assessed) |
