Sh51b delays creation of four regional cardiac centres—report

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The parliamentary committee on budget has decried in its latest report delays by the finance ministry to release shilling 51 billion for a phased establishment of four regional cardiac centres. 

According to the recently approved committee's report on the National Budget Framework Paper for the financial year 2024/25 to 2028/29, the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) will establish the centres in the cities of Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka, and Gulu. 

“The committee recommends that an additional sh51b be provided in a phased manner for the establishment of four regional cardiac centres. There should be equitable distribution of cardiac centres regionally,” the report, which was approved by the House with amendments on January 31, 2024, said. 

It was presented by Patrick Isiagi Opolot, the Kachumbala County MP on the ruling National Resistance Movement party ticket.  

Dr John Omagino, the executive director of UHI, told the Health Committee of Parliament on July 13, 2022, that cardiovascular deaths were on the increase in the country. 

“One in every four adults and an estimated 16,000 children every year has a heart-related disease. Therefore, the demand for cardiovascular care is expected to grow. And out of the 16,000 children with heart-related diseases yearly, 400 stay on a waiting list,” he stated. 

He said the worst scenario is when a mother calls at 3:00 am and says the child who has been on that waiting list has passed away. 

Omagino also stated that the UHI can handle only 80 open-heart surgeries yearly.