Kibaale health center gets laboratory equipment worth sh250m

By Ismael Kasooha

Infectious diseases institute-IDI in collaboration with centers for disease control and prevention-CDC has donated laboratory equipment worthsh250 million to Kakindo health center IV in Kibaale district.

The equipment comprising of a CD4, Chemistry and haematology machines in addition to the renovation and upgrade of the structure housing the hi-tech equipment, were handed over by Gordon Mpamize the IDI coordinator of Laboratory services.

People living with HIV/AIDS in Bugangaizi County in Kibaale district will save up to sh55m with the introduction of a CD4 machine at Kakindo health center IV.

Every patient was paying at least sh20.000 in form of transport to know their CD4 count since 2009 in Kagadi hospital.
“These people before the introduction of this CD4 machine had to contribute money to enable them know their CD4 count and this will be no more,” said Dr. Dan Kyamanywa the district health officer Kibaale.

He said that this is the second laboratory hub in Kibaale district with the other at Kagadi government hospital. This will reduce the load at the only government hospital in the district.

Gerald Lutalo the in charge anti-retroviral therapy-ART at Kakindo health center IV handling the Bugangaizi health sub district told the New Vision that they are handle about 2,750 people living with HIV/AIDS from all lower health centers.
“We are now in position to handle all the people at no cost and within a few hours,” said Lutalo.

IDI has donated CD4, Chemistry and haematology machines to Kakindo health center IV to assist in handling cases that were being referred to Kagadi hospital which is over 50kms apart.

The renovated laboratory was handed over to Kibaale district Chairman George William Namyaka on behalf of the government of Uganda by Gordon Mpamize the coordinator laboratory services from IDI.

Namyaka described IDI as a dependable, committed and successful organization that has greatly contributed to the wellbeing of the people of Kibaale.

“IDI is indeed a true partner because they have left a mark in the history of Kibaale not like other non governmental organizations-NGOs which and come and go,” said Namyaka.

Namyaka said that Dr. Alex Courthino the executive director IDI is an epitome of goodness and s symbol of success.
“Dr. Courthino is a God given gift who has saved the lives of many people in Kibaale and the country in general,” said Namyaka.