HEALTH | UGANDA BAATI | ACENG

TORORO - The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has called on the private sector to supplement government efforts by advancing healthcare services a step further. 

Dr Aceng, who was represented by Dr. Steven Obbo, the Director Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, at the opening of Uganda Baati medical Clinic in Tororo said co-operation with private businesses was key in improving the health situation in the country. 

“Uganda’s healthcare may not be the world’s best, but there is no denying that it has been largely progressive,” Obbo said on behalf of Aceng, according to statement issued Monday (October 17) shortly after the launch.

The minister hailed Uganda Baati for the initiative, worth $50,000 (about sh190m).

According to George Arodi, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the clinic will offer subsidized yet quality health services to the community members who cannot afford market rates. 

“The community of Tororo and surrounding areas, the practitioner consultations, antenatal services, family planning, and other services coming here are going to be a community gift, steward them well, and advise your people to maximize them, not many businesses in this country can go the extra mile as Uganda Baati has done,” the minister said. 

According to George Arodi, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the clinic will offer subsidized yet quality health services to the community members who cannot afford market rates. 

“The clinic will provide outpatient services such as doctor’s consultations, minor surgeries, a wide array of laboratory tests, and outpatient treatments. These are greatly subsidized costs since Uganda Baati absorbs a major percentage of operational costs. More services like Childhood immunizations, community sensitization, and medical outreaches will be offered at no cost,” Arodi said. 

“I implore the community to make use of this facility and call upon all the local leaders to mobilize our people to access professional health services here at Uganda Baati Medical clinic-Tororo branch,” he added. 

Earlier, On the same day, the company held a one-day medical camp at which more than 1,000 community members received free health care services such as free doctors’ consultations, dental examinations, eye examinations and cervical cancer screening.

Other services offered included laboratory tests (Hepatitis B screening, malaria RDT, blood glucose, and HIV testing), free medications and a blood donation in partnership with Uganda Transfusion services, Mbale branch.