MBARARA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL OPENS CARDIAC CLINIC

By Twesigye Aggrey
in Mbarara—-

Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital has unveiled a new cardiac clinic for children aged (0-12 years ),that is expected to save ugandans the cost of travelling abroad to seek cardiovascular services.

The facility opened on Tuesday 2nd.sept.2023 by the Executive Director Uganda Heart Institute,Dr.John O.O Omagino, is the first of it’s kind in the region.

The clinic named after Dr.Martin. S.Situma will help lead to more effective procedures and quicker recovery times by combining traditional diagnostic abilities of the heart with the surgical functions of an operating room.

Addressing Journalists in the hospital board room ,Dr.Omagino noted that the facility will reduce the congestion of heart patients at the Heart Institute where they have to wait for up to six months to be screened in the lab.

“Our mission is clear: To bring vital heart healthcare services to communities across Uganda. Mbarara is just the beginning. We aim to expand this initiative to more regional referral hospitals Nationwide”Dr.Omagino explained.

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) is rising in low income countries such as Uganda and they will be the leading cause of death by 2030.Cardiovascular diseases , account for 30% of non-communicable diseases.

Dr.Omagino urged ugandans to do routine exercises and ensure medical checks to prevent severe complications.

Dr. Judith Namuyonga, the consultant Paediatric Cardiologist
at Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) revealed that the Institution’s
primary focus during such surgeries is on children born with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a congenital heart defect. she added that early detection and intervention are crucial to help these young lives thrive.

Dr.Celestine Barigye the Mbarara regional referral hospital director said the opening of the cardiac clinic will help in minimizing health referrals to Mulago hospital.

He further urged government to consider constructing a heart Institute at Mbarara regional referral hospital.