UGANDA | HEART | INSTITUTE

KAMPALA - Uganda is set to embark on the construction of sh264.7b heart institute in Naguru Kampala. 

The development comes after the approval of $70m (sh264.7b) loan request for the construction and equipment of the Uganda Heart Institute, by the Government.   

The request to borrow the money was presented to the House by the minister of finance on March 01, 2022, and accordingly referred to the Committee of National Economy for consideration. 

In its report, the committee noted that the Government seeks to borrow up to $20m from the Arab bank for economic development in Africa, $30m from Saudi fund for development and $20m from the OPEC fund for international development for the project, which is expected to be complete in four years' time. 

“The construction and equipping of Uganda Heart Institute will present an opportunity for Uganda in terms of medical tourism,” Robert Migadde, the committee chairperson told Parliament on Wednesday (August 17).    

The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) is an autonomous body established by the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) Act, 2016 and is charged with the mandate to undertake and coordinate the management of cardiovascular disease in Uganda. 

However, the above evolution has not been adequately supported by investment in physical infrastructure and equipment. As a result, Uganda Heart Institute's capacity has not kept pace with the rate of cardiovascular diseases. 

It is estimated that one in four adults or about 25% of Uganda's population has high blood pressure which can lead to Cardiovascular diseases, stroke or kidney failure. 

Accordingly, there is a 27 % chance of Ugandans aged, between 30 and 70 years dying of Non-Communicable Diseases, with Cardiovascular disease accounting for 9% o of these deaths. 

The MPs noted that whereas non-communicable diseases are increasing, the health systems have remained less responsive. 

Uganda is undergoing an epidemiological transition with non-communicable diseases now accounting for about 40% of the disease burden.