Works on Lubowa international hospital at 45 percent – Minister Aceng
KAMPALA, January 17, 2025 – – Construction of International Specialised Hospital of Uganda in Lubowa, Kampala is at 45 percent, according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
“The project has reached levels that need constant monitoring and supervision, and as such Shs 1.5 billion is needed for supervision in the Financial Year 2025/2026,” Aceng told Members of Parliament yesterday, adding that works were projected to be completed by at the end of 2025.
She said this while interfacing with the legislators on Parliament’s Committee on Health after being prompted on the legal framework to establish the National Health Insurance Scheme [NHIS].
On NHIS, the minister revealed that her ministry had submitted a paper on the same to cabinet and is yet to receive feedback.
“The Ministry completed all the necessary steps and documentation for the National Health Insurance Scheme and submissions were made. However, there has been no response on this matter,” said Aceng.
The Ntoroko County Member of Parliament, Ibanda Rwemulikya urged cabinet to pronounce itself on the matter.
“I am disappointed with cabinet. If the health minister submitted this two years ago and nothing has been done, then it is not good. People in this country are suffering yet the NHIS can support their health needs,” said Rwemulikya.
Florence Nebanda, THE Butaleja District Woman Representative said a Bill that would establish the scheme was handled before and as such, ought to be brought back before Parliament promptly.
“In the 10th Parliament, the National Health Insurance Bill was passed and sent to the President, who did not assent to it. He sent it back to the Ministry of Health to come up with a better law. When do we expect it back in Parliament?” noted Nebanda.
The Bill that was previously passed in 2021, had a proposal for Ugandans aged 18 years and above to pay a premium to the national health insurance scheme, and a proposal that the scheme be financed by a combination of employee and government contributions.
However, according to the health minister, all modifications to the law, await cabinet approval before it is reintroduced in Parliament.
Nicholas Kamara, the Kabale Municipality legislator, tasked the minister on the budget interventions aimed at answering the plea of medical interns in the country. “Funding has been provided for the new interns to be deployed,” Aceng said.
Minister Aceng said the ministry has been allocated Shs 4.004 trillion for the health sector in Financial Year 2025/2026, with key interventions being prevention of high-burden and epidemic prone diseases, prevention of non-communicable diseases, and expending community health education.
Among the unfunded priorities, Aceng called for the reinstatement of Shs 100bln to National Medical Stores, that had initially been allocated in Financial Year 2024/2025.
“This money was meant for essential supplies, testing kits reagents and other supplies for malaria and HIV/AIDS which contribute to the highest burden of disease,” the minister said.
https://thecooperator.news/mbarara-hospital-receives-shs-200mln-anesthesia-machine/
Buy your copy of theCooperator magazine from one of our countrywide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 0
