By Akena Martin
In a significant milestone for Uganda’s healthcare sector, Lira Regional Referral Hospital has inaugurated a cutting-edge satellite laboratory, courtesy of the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Emergency Preparedness Project (UCREPP). This advanced facility promises to revolutionise diagnosis, sample collection, and patient care in the Lango region.
“This laboratory is a game changer for our region. We’re grateful for UCREPP’s support in enhancing our diagnostic capabilities,” said Okello Peter, Principal Administrator, Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
The laboratory, nearing 97% completion, will:
1. Reduce reliance on Kampala-based labs, minimising transportation delays.
2. Enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
3. Streamline patient care, ensuring timely treatment.
Launched in 2020, UCREPP aims to strengthen Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure through:
1. Case Management: Improving ICUs and psychosocial support.
2. Project Management: Effective monitoring and coordination.
3. Vaccine Acquisition: Efficient dispatching, transport, and logistics.
4. Essential Health Services: Upgrading ICUs, labs, HPUs, and social centres.
5. Refugee District Support: Enhancing surveillance and understanding through motorcycle provision.
Note: The five components of the plan include case detection, case management, project management, vaccine acquisition and deployment, and ensuring continuity of essential health services.
Key Achievements
UCREPP has:
1. Upgraded laboratories to international standards.
2. Trained laboratory scientists in disease management.
3. Deployed thermal scanners at border points to combat cross-border transmission.
4. Allocated $195.5 million total financing.
This satellite laboratory will:
1. Improve healthcare access for 9 districts in the Lango region.
2. Reduce mortality rates through timely diagnosis and treatment.
3. Enhance Uganda’s preparedness for future pandemics.
This achievement demonstrates the government’s dedication to strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system. The completion of this satellite laboratory marks a significant step forward in the country’s fight against COVID-19 and other diseases.
Quick Facts
Location: Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lango Region, Uganda.
Project duration: 2020-2024.
Funding: $195.5 million total financing.
Laboratory completion: 96.6%.
Benefiting districts: 9 (Lango region).
The writer is a Communications Officer at Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC)
