Heart institute to undergo sh169b expansion

By Violet Nabatanzi

PLANS are underway to expand and equip the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) with specialized modern equipment.

The construction of the new hospital is expected to kick off in August this year, at a cost of $64.9m (approximately sh169billion).

The executive director of UHI Dr John Omagino said the land has been approved by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and National Environment Authority (NEMA).

Omagino further said, the funds for the construction has been borrowed from Islamic development Bank.

“The expansion will give us a complete hospital with 200 cardiac beds, three operating theatres, cardiac catheterization lab, and facilities for research.” Omangino said.

Addressing a press conference at Mulago, Omagino said one of the blocks will accommodate critical staff, fellowship trainees and visiting faculty.

He further said the hospital will have new equipment in the operating theatres, intensive care units (ICU), diagnostic suits and cardiac catheterization laboratories.

Currently, government is renovating three hospitals in Kampala including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kawempe and Kirudu health centres.

Omagino also said that the draft bill for Uganda Heart Institute is before cabinet for approval.

“We need a law establishing us as fully autonomy; this will help us to recruit staff and mobilize resources,” Omagino added.