Uganda has embarked on constructing a state-of-the-art cardiac center at Naguru-Nakawa, aimed at enhancing specialized heart care, expanding medical training and research, and reducing the need for patient referrals abroad. The 250-bed facility will not only improve access to cardiovascular treatment but also create job opportunities and boost medical tourism.

The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, representing the President. Addressing stakeholders and dignitaries, she emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering a world-class hospital within the agreed two-year timeline. The new facility aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III, reinforcing the nation’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure.

The hospital will stand 10 stories high, with four basement levels, and will feature advanced medical facilities, including three fully equipped operating theaters, two catheterization labs, and 40 intensive care unit (ICU) beds. The center will provide specialized cardiovascular treatment, significantly increasing access to heart care from the current 12,000 patients per year to over 60,000. It will also serve as a premier teaching and research hospital for cardiovascular medicine.

The project is backed by a $73 million funding package, with financial support from multiple international partners. The OPEC Fund for International Development is providing a $20 million loan, supplemented by $30 million from the Saudi Fund for Development, $20 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and $3 million from the Ugandan government.

The new facility is expected to set a benchmark in East Africa, reducing fatalities caused by heart disease and cutting healthcare costs by minimizing overseas referrals. The hospital will not only enhance early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases but also position Uganda as a leading destination for heart treatment in the region.

The 10-acre complex will consist of three blocks housing state-of-the-art medical equipment and specialized treatment units. The infrastructure will support critical heart procedures, including surgeries and catheterization, ensuring affordable and accessible care for all Ugandans. The addition of a specialized teaching and research facility will further strengthen Uganda’s capacity to train cardiologists and other healthcare professionals.

By investing in modern infrastructure and technology, the hospital will transform cardiovascular care and provide a sustainable solution for treating heart diseases locally. The establishment of this center marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s healthcare system, promising better patient outcomes, reduced medical expenses, and an overall improvement in public health services.

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