By Fred Ouma

Rooted in their cardinal role of complementing public health systems, a good number of private hospitals have some of the best medical facilities and equipment in the country.

“The private sector is a key partner in the delivery of quality health care services in Uganda. Now that we are hosting the Commonwealth summit (CHOGM) we have to be prepared, because the event offers us a great opportunity to reinforce our strategic partnership,” noted Dr. Richard Nduhuura, the health minister of state.

Some service providers like AAR have received prestigious ISO 9001/2000 certificate with affiliated health facilities in and outside Uganda.

In the event of an emergency, most of these non-government health providers have modern ambulances fully-equipped with medical supplies and a crew of doctors and nurses to respond anytime.

The ambulances have oxygen cylinders, defibrillators (for jump-starting the heart) and a variety of branded drugs.

“We do not use generics. Some patients are psychologically against drugs from certain countries, so we go for branded drugs. We limit ourselves to generics with a proven track record,” says William Olwoch-Lalobo, the Paragon managing director.

The Kololo Hospital administrator, Suzanne Kazzora, acknowledges their role of complementing the once flawed public health system that has also witnessed equal trends of growth, following government’s deliberate policy of liberalisation.

“There was a time when health services in Uganda were limited and pathetic. Many people could not even access basic drugs as political turmoil prevailed and quality of health care left at bay,” recalls Kazzora.

“This has since changed. We now talk of modern equipment, wards, theatres, laboratory and professionalism as priorities.”

Unlike public health system, Olalobo agrees that most of the private health units are built on four tenets of infrastructure, equipment, standard operating procedures and attraction and retention of human resources, including patients.

“We are not looking for job seekers,” he says. “We are looking for job creators.”

“Professionals must understand their profession first, and create their job around the hospital.”

In Uganda, the non-government sector provides up to 50% of health care and in recognition of this, the Government gives some support to mission hospitals.

For years, efforts to provide appropriate health care have been under-funded and poorly co-ordinated.

However, health state minister, Dr. Emmanuel Otaala is optimistic that the situation will continue changing for the better.

“There is now hope on the horizon as we see a renewed emphasis on partnerships, increased political momentum and significant new resource flow to improve the health sector,” he says.