Lira Regional Referral Hospital has taken a significant step forward in improving healthcare services with the inauguration of a modern laboratory designed to serve the nine districts of Lango.
The new facility is set to transform medical diagnostics in the region, easing the burden on patients who previously had to travel long distances to Mulago National Hospital in Kampala for specialized tests.
Equipped with some of the most advanced diagnostic machines, the laboratory is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical testing. Among the key additions are the COBAS e411 and COBAS c311 machines, which allow doctors to conduct a wide range of tests quickly and with great precision.
The COBAS e411 machine is particularly useful for thyroid function tests, prostate cancer screening, and heart disease detection, while the COBAS c311 is designed for diagnosing liver and kidney diseases through lipid profile and electrolyte analysis.
These machines are capable of processing hundreds of tests per hour, reducing patient waiting time and improving service delivery.
The establishment of this laboratory is part of the Uganda Covid-19 Response and Emergency Preparedness Project (UCREPP), with funding from the World Bank.
Similar projects are being implemented at Hoima and Fort Portal regional hospitals, a move that signals a strong commitment to strengthening healthcare services at the regional level.
Presiding over the inauguration, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng emphasised the government’s focus on preventive healthcare and the need for early disease detection. She noted that the new laboratory will enable routine screening for various conditions, ensuring that illnesses are detected and treated in time rather than waiting for patients to fall seriously ill. Dr. Aceng also highlighted another key development at the hospital—an oxygen plant that will ensure a steady supply of medical oxygen. Previously, the hospital had to rely on oxygen deliveries from Kampala, but with the new facility, thousands of cylinders can now be filled daily and distributed to lower health centers in the region.
The improved infrastructure at Lira Regional Referral Hospital is also expected to boost research and training at Lira University. Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine noted that with the modern laboratory in place, researchers and students will no longer need to travel to Kampala for studies and experiments. The machines installed can test for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, viruses, and bacterial infections, while also helping doctors determine the most effective medication for patients.
Dr. Atwine encouraged the public to trust government health services, assuring them that improving healthcare delivery remains a top priority.
Despite recent budget cuts from some donor programs, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining essential health services. Dr. Atwine urged hospital staff to use the available resources efficiently, integrate services, and continue improving patient care. She also commended health workers at the hospital for their dedication, while encouraging them to further enhance service delivery, accountability, and their approach to patient care.
The inauguration of this modern laboratory and oxygen plant is a reflection of the government’s broader effort to invest in healthcare infrastructure across the country a per its pledge to the Ugandans.
In Lira, these developments have been made possible through the leadership and commitment of Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who also serves as the Women MP for Lira City. With these improvements, the people of Lango now have access to better diagnostic services, which will lead to early disease detection, improved treatment, and better health outcomes.
As Uganda continues to strengthen its regional healthcare systems, communities can look forward to quality medical services closer to home. The investment in modern facilities at Lira Regional Referral Hospital is not just a boost for the people of Lango but a step towards a stronger, more efficient healthcare system that benefits all Ugandans.
