Buganda Parliament Speaker delivering the message from the kingdom
The government, through the Ministry of Health, has awarded health facilities that emerged as the best in the financial year 2022/2023.
At least twelve health facilities walked away with awards from the Ministry of Health during the closing ceremony held at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo.
Kiruhura, Lira City and Manafwa district local governments were the best-performing local facilities and these were followed by Soroti City and Rubanda district local governments.
Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and St Mary’s Lacor were recognised as the best regional referral hospitals. Mbale was the overall best regional referral hospital again, having topped the list in the previous rankings.
Only Kitgum and Mukono received awards among general hospitals, with Mukono General Hospital being praised for doing its best despite being among the new health facilities. Among Health Center IVs, only Mukujju and Bujubuli were awarded.
The awards were presented by the Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, as a token of appreciation for the excellent work done by these health facilities when it comes to handling patients. The facilities were ranked based on their diagnostic-related group (DRG) score and ambulatory patient group (APG) score.
The Ministry of Health noted that some of the best-ranked facilities, especially those with a high DRG score, were congested and this negatively impacted the quality of services they offer to patients.
Hon. Patrick Luwagga Mugumbule, the Speaker of the Buganda Assembly represented the Buganda Kingdom.
Among the awards presented were recognition for the best doctors in practice, the best hospitals, and people who have contributed to health in Uganda including the late Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda.
Hon. Patrick Luwagga Mugumbule said the Kingdom places a high priority on health programs and this is evident from the King being the star of the fight against AIDS in Africa, the themes of his birthday run, and the hospitals under construction.
The Kingdom, therefore, encourages them to take care of their health by exercising, protecting themselves and getting tested for various diseases.
The ceremony was attended by Rt. Hon.Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda and the Chief Guest, the late Prime Minister of Uganda Hon. Patrick Amama Mbabazi, representing Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Minister of Health Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng and other officials from the Ministry.