Mulago Hospital Underfunded as URA Gets More for Staff Medicine
Dr. Byanyima disclosed that while the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) received UGX 18.2 billion to procure medicine for its staff, Mulago Hospital, which serves millions of Ugandans, was allocated only UGX 17.756 billion for purchasing drugs for all referred patients.
Uganda Today Edition: Mulago Hospital Underfunded as URA Gets More for Staff Medicine
Kampala, Uganda – The Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, has revealed to Parliament’s budget scrutiny committee that Uganda’s premier public hospital is critically underfunded for essential medicines.
Dr. Byanyima disclosed that while the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) received UGX 18.2 billion to procure medicine for its staff, Mulago Hospital, which serves millions of Ugandans, was allocated only UGX 17.756 billion for purchasing drugs for all referred patients.
“This allocation is grossly inadequate for the volume of patients we handle. Without an urgent injection of UGX 101 billion, we will be forced to continue directing patients to private pharmacies for medicine,” Dr. Byanyima warned.
Crisis in Uganda’s Public Healthcare
The revelation has sparked public outrage, with critics questioning the government’s spending priorities. Mulago Hospital, Uganda’s largest referral medical facility, plays a crucial role in providing affordable healthcare. Yet, the persistent funding shortfall leaves thousands of patients without access to essential medicines.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the skewed allocation of resources, demanding explanations from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance on why a government agency like URA receives more medical funding than a national referral hospital.
Public Outcry and Calls for Urgent Action
Health rights activists and medical professionals have condemned the government’s failure to prioritize healthcare. Dr. Byanyima’s appeal to Parliament has reignited calls for a review of budget allocations to ensure that essential health services are adequately funded.
As the country grapples with an overwhelmed healthcare system, will the government respond to Mulago Hospital’s plea, or will Ugandans continue bearing the burden of expensive private healthcare?
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