The state-of-the-art specialized maternal and neonatal facility at Mulago hospital is set to be commissioned next week on Monday, according to the Information Minister, Frank Tumwebaze.
The Shs 91.5 billion multi storey building facility whose services will be tailored for women related health issues has been under construction since 2013. It is fully furnished.
Its construction was funded by government with support from the Islamic Development Bank.
With a 450 bed capacity, the Specialised Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital will offer facilities for high risk antenatal care, delivery and post-natal services, Gynaecology uro-gynaecology especially obstetric fistula, assisted reproductive health technologies, pharmacy, blood bank, labour suites, intensive care unit and operation theatres.
Others will include emergency departments, laboratories, a blood bank and morgue, radiology, examination and physiotherapy departments.
The Ministry of Health says the objective of the project is to contribute to reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Up to 16 mothers die daily (580 deaths annually) due to pregnancy related issues in Uganda.
Congestion at the Old Mulago maternity wing had left little space for health workers to operate efficiently which sometimes results into neonatal, infant and maternal deaths.
Yesterday, Minister Frank Tumwebaze said that Cabinet during its sitting on Monday was briefed on the completion of the facility.
“Cabinet was briefed about the successful construction and equipping of Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal hospital and how it had been completed and will be open to patients on September 17, 2018,” Tumwebaze told the press on Tuesday.
He added that: “On Thursday, the Cabinet of Uganda led by Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda will visit the hospital to assess its readiness and commission it off to Ugandans”.
The hospital will also offer the much needed Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) services, which stimulate the efficiency of human reproduction. In Uganda, fertility services are expensive. One has to pay between Shs 10m and Shs 20m to access such services in private health facilities.
