The vice chairperson of the Health Committee of Parliament and Kole North MP, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, has praised the recent acquisition of a new heart machine by the Uganda Heart Institute, saying it will greatly promote medical tourism in Uganda.
The institute acquired a new Cath Lab Theater equipment two weeks ago, featuring advanced bi-plane X-ray cameras, which is expected to reduce referrals abroad.
Dr. Acut expressed support for the government’s move, stating that many Ugandans travel abroad for heart operations due to lack of equipment, not personnel. “I’m glad that now we have the equipment, which will reduce medical tourism to other countries and increase medical tourism to Uganda,” he said.
He acknowledged that Uganda’s neighbors in the East African Community lack similar capabilities, presenting an opportunity for Uganda to receive foreign exchange.
In an interview with this website Dr. Opio hailed Parliament for supporting increased funding in the health sector, with a 137 billion shilling increase in the budget for medicines alone.
However, he identified gaps in digitalizing medical records and infrastructure, with over 200 sub-counties lacking a health center 3.
To address these challenges, Dr. Opio emphasized the need for increased funding, oversight, and monitoring to ensure resources are utilized effectively. He highlighted four key areas to focus on: increasing personnel capacity, infrastructure, medicine, and accountability of medical supplies.
