Sh1.9b Tororo diagnostic centre to transform healthcare in eastern Uganda

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Eastern Uganda is on the brink of a major healthcare transformation following the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre at St Anthony Hospital, Tororo, a project expected to significantly improve access to specialised medical services in the region. The facility, being constructed by the Archdiocese of Tororo through its Health Commission, is projected to cost about sh1.9b and will provide advanced diagnostic services currently limited or unavailable in eastern Uganda.

The groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Obbo AJ, Archbishop of Tororo, saw the site officially handed over to Joint Medical Stores (JMS) for construction works expected to be completed within six months.

Once completed, the centre is expected to become the first integrated diagnostic facility of its kind in the region, offering services in chemistry, haematology, immunology, microbiology, virology, pathology, molecular biology and advanced imaging services, including X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, fluoroscopy and radiology, all under one roof.

Speaking during the ceremony, Daniel Mark Lutalo, manager of biomedical engineering at Joint Medical Stores, said the project was designed to address longstanding gaps in regional healthcare services for generations to come.

"The diagnostic centre is designed to provide medical tests and services currently limited or unavailable in the region. As JMS, we envision it not only as a modern diagnostic facility for today but as a centre that will serve generations to come," he said.

According to Lutalo, the ground floor of the facility will house the imaging centre and laboratory departments, while the first floor will accommodate support services and administrative offices.

Healthcare experts say the facility will greatly reduce the need for patients to travel to Kampala and other distant cities in search of specialised diagnostic services, a challenge that has often delayed treatment and increased healthcare costs for families.

Dr Anthony Okoth Ndira described the project as a turning point for healthcare delivery in the region. He recalled a recent experience where a patient was forced to travel to the capital city for a mammography scan due to the absence of local diagnostic services.

"The significance of this Diagnostic Centre is not just a single milestone, but the beginning of a long and transformative journey into a new era of healthcare diagnostics. Its impact will be enormous, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of diagnostic services, minimising delays in treatment, and enabling clinicians to make timely and informed medical decisions," Dr Okoth said.

Juliet Ayoo Okwi, the deputy chief administrative officer of Tororo, welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis in healthcare.

"In healthcare, diagnosis is critical because it guides decisions made by medical professionals, and any delay in diagnosis can easily become fatal," she said, noting that the facility would particularly benefit women, many of whom actively seek early medical care but are hindered by limited access to diagnostic services.

The Archbishop handing over the structure plan to JMS, who are to execute the construction of sh1.9 billion facility. (Photo by George Ofwono)

In his speech, Archbishop Obbo reiterated the Catholic Church's commitment to addressing healthcare needs.

"It is difficult to preach the good news to people who are suffering from illness. We want this diagnostic centre to ensure that, instead of travelling far for medical services, our people can receive quality healthcare close to home," he said.

The Archbishop further warned against misinformation, stating that the Church is trying to supplement what the government has already done in a collaborative manner.

"We are not here to compete with the government, but to partner and collaborate with it. Our role is simply to complement government efforts in fulfilling the people's fundamental need for life and health," he emphasised.

The Tororo resident district commissioner, Sadiq Bategana, representing the government at the event, appreciated the Archdiocese for consistently complementing government efforts in bridging gaps in quality healthcare provision. He described the project as a major milestone in bringing science and technology closer to local communities.

"Any community that lags behind in science and technology risks being left behind in development. I, therefore, see this diagnostic centre as a major step in bringing science and technology closer to our people to save lives and improve healthcare services in the region," he said.

The construction of the diagnostic centre is expected to strengthen healthcare systems across eastern Uganda and improve patient outcomes by ensuring faster, more reliable and locally accessible diagnostic services.