MBALE, Uganda (UG STANDARD) — Mbale Regional Referral Hospital has broken ground on a new obstetric theatre, a project aimed at significantly improving emergency care for expectant mothers in Eastern Uganda.
Funded by Seed Global Health, the construction is slated for completion within three months and represents a major step in the hospital’s efforts to enhance maternal health services in the region.
Speaking at a launch event organized by the Bugisu Intellectual Forum, the hospital’s acting director, Dr. Dan Mwayafu, called the project a transformative development.
“This is a big achievement. The obstetric theatre will greatly improve service delivery, especially in handling emergency maternal cases,” Mwayafu said.
He explained the new facility would alleviate congestion and pressure on the hospital’s existing single operating theatre, which has long been overstretched.
“For years, Mbale hospital operated with just one theatre, handling 10 surgeries a day causing delays for mothers in critical condition,” Mwayafu noted.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Seed Global Health for their support. “Thanks for the support … a new theatre facility has been launched! This expansion is expected to reduce emergency wait times, lower maternal and infant mortality and improve overall service delivery,” he added.
Mwayafu also highlighted the hospital’s ongoing efforts to recruit more midwives and doctors to meet increasing demand.
Dr. Kadondi Dinah, head of the Obstetric Theatre, described the upgrade as a “game-changer.” “One operating table was never enough. This will save lives,” she said.
Dr. Wanyera Peter echoed her sentiments, calling the development a “milestone for the department,” noting the hospital’s previous difficulty in accommodating emergency cases from surrounding health centers.
Dr. Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive & Maternal Health, commended the collaboration between Busitema University, the hospital staff, and development partners in making the project a reality.
Mbale Regional Hospital, which serves a wide catchment area, has encouraged the public to directly address any concerns with the administration as part of its commitment to improving patient care.
