Ugandan Doctors earning commissions for referrals abroad

One of the doctors who preferred to remain anonymous said many private hospitals in India, UAE, Egypt and Turkey have recruited Ugandan consultants whom they pay 5%-15% commission of the total treatment on every successful referral. Among the common conditions being referred are heart surgeries, many of which are offered at the Uganda Heart Institute, eye care, respiratory organs like kidneys, hernia repairs and joint scopes. Most of these cost from sh40m to sh400m.

Paediatric surgeons from Uganda Heart Institute and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital carrying out a closed heart operation during a surgery camp the institute organised at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in October 2024. Uganda’s health sector has improved over the years, reducing the need for medical referrals abroad.