The government has successfully obtained a grant worth $6.8 million from Japan to refurbish the infrastructure at Jinja and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals. The Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement was signed today, March 26, 2024, by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Inoue Yoichi (Chief Representative of JICA in Uganda), and H.E Yoshimura Tomotaka (Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Uganda).
The grant agreement, valued at JPY 941,000,000, will be utilized for the improvement of medical equipment at the two regional referral hospitals, addressing the pressing need for specialized healthcare services in the country.
Minister Kasaija expressed his gratitude for the longstanding and robust cooperation between the Ugandan government and Japan. He emphasized the significant funding gap in the healthcare system and the crucial role played by regional referral hospitals in providing specialized medical care to a large population.
“Our healthcare system faces daunting challenges, with regional referral hospitals bearing a substantial burden in delivering specialized medical care. We acknowledge the importance of this grant in bridging the funding gap,” stated Minister Kasaija.
He also warned against the misuse of equipment and funds entrusted to the government, stressing the importance of proper implementation to ensure the smooth delivery of services. Minister Kasaija reiterated the need to address the challenges faced by the healthcare system, including inadequate resources and overcrowded hospitals, which contribute to high operational and maintenance costs.
In his remarks, Deputy Head of Mission Tomotaka highlighted the significance of the health sector in bilateral cooperation between Japan and Uganda. He expressed his hope that this grant aid would contribute to Uganda achieving its targets in the health sector.
Commenting on the project, JICA Chief Representative Yoichi explained that the provision of medical equipment, including operating tables, surgery lights, ultrasound scanners, and anesthesia machines, is aimed at strengthening the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of the two referral hospitals.
This grant from Japan is expected to have a transformative impact on Jinja and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals, equipping them with state-of-the-art medical equipment to deliver better healthcare services to the people of Uganda. The investment in infrastructure refurbishment is a crucial step toward improving the overall healthcare system in the country and aligns with the goals outlined in Uganda’s National Development Plan.
