Health minister urges private hospitals to prioritise saving lives
"We shall maintain the PHC fund and work towards enhancing it as we get more resources from the government," said Baryomunsi. He also committed to deploying at least two medical specialists to Kisubi Hospital to strengthen its capacity to handle the increasingly complex medical complications.
The health minister, Chris Baryomusi, together with the Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere cut a ribbon to open a renovated Caritas Ward at Kisubi Hospital as Rober Asaba (2nd left), the hospital director and Christine Kyomuhangi, the vice chairperson of the health service commission cheer on. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)
Uganda's health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has challenged private not-for-profit hospitals to prioritise saving lives over financial considerations, urging them to introduce payment waivers for critically ill and impoverished patients who cannot afford medical bills.
He said healthcare institutions must demonstrate compassion towards vulnerable members of society.
"You should also introduce a waiver system for patients who are extremely poor and cannot manage to pay even sh20,000."
Baryomunsi was speaking during the commissioning of the renovated Caritas ward and the second phase of the outpatient complex at Kisubi Hospital in Wakiso district last Friday.
The function was attended by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, hospital board members, medical personnel and area leaders.
The health minister commended faith-based institutions for complementing government efforts in healthcare delivery, education and socio-economic transformation, describing their contribution as an extension of the church's healing Mission.
He pledged that the government would continue strengthening partnerships with private-not-for-profit health facilities to ensure that vulnerable communities access subsidised medical services.
"We shall maintain the PHC fund and work towards enhancing it as we get more resources from the government," said Baryomunsi
He also committed to deploying at least two medical specialists to Kisubi Hospital to strengthen its capacity to handle the increasingly complex medical complications.
The health minister commended faith-based institutions for complementing government efforts in healthcare delivery, education and socio-economic transformation, describing their contribution as an extension of the church's healing Mission. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)
The minister's comments followed an appeal by the hospital's board chairperson, Dr Edward Kasirye, for additional specialists and consultants to cope with the growing patient numbers.
Kasirye said the hospital remains committed to providing emergency treatment regardless of patients' immediate financial circumstances.
"We pledge not to turn away from an emergency because of inability to pay upfront. We can always discuss the money later, but will first seek to attend to the patient."
The hospital operates the Consolata fund to support vulnerable patients, including mothers who cannot afford treatment.
He revealed that the rehabilitation and upgrade of Caritas ward cost sh2.5 billion, providing improved patient spaces, lighting and modern medical equipment. The hospital currently has a total capacity of 110 inpatient beds.
Asaba said the government's PHC funding contributes approximately 5% of the hospital's revenue and is largely spent on community medical outreaches as well as subsidising essential services for disadvantaged patients.
He appealed for increased government support, citing rising operational costs and the challenge of upgrading ageing infrastructure at the hospital, which has operated for more than 120 years.
On his part, Archbishop Ssemogerere, who revealed that he was born at the hospital's Caritas ward on June 30, 1956, cautioned against the perception that Catholic-founded health facilities should provide all services free of charge.
He explained that hospitals must purchase medicines, retain qualified personnel and invest in modern equipment despite the declining external financial support.
However, he emphasised that financial sustainability should never overshadow the institution's founding mission of providing compassionate healthcare
"Our hospital was not primarily established to make large profits. Its main purpose is to ensure that people receive proper medical care and remain healthy so that they can enjoy life. That purpose must never be forgotten," said Ssemogerere.
Just like the health minister, he emphasised that the medics and staff of Kisubi Hospital should consider people's health first before looking at their ability to pay.