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By GOODLUCK MUSINGUZI
Lira
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health and Woman Member of Parliament for Lira City, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art satellite laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital on Friday, March 14, 2025.
This facility, funded by the World Bank under the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Preparedness Project (UCREPP), was constructed by Techno Three Limited at a cost of UGX 4.5 billion.
The laboratory is designed to enhance clinical research and will conduct advanced diagnostic tests in Microbiology, Hematology, Parasitology, Entomology, and Serology.
The ground floor of the two-story building includes essential spaces such as a sample reception area, waiting room, offices, and a lift to transport samples to the upper floor, where tests are performed.
Additionally, it houses training rooms for laboratory personnel and other healthcare workers.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health(in sky blue dress) and MOH PS Dr. Diana Atwine(in white dress)
arriving at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
The laboratory’s advanced features include the ability to perform Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests, which analyze various blood cell components, enhancing diagnostic precision and improving patient care.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Aceng said has lashed at critics who say the previous government had good plans for developing the health sector saying she has never seen tangible results of those plans.
She applauds the NRM government for the steps made so far in the health sector. ‘’this facility was wanted everywhere, but because I was there at the ministry, I had to lobby for it to be brought to Lira City, Aceng said.
She added that, “Most people have been creating propaganda on social media that Aceng stole Covid-19 money, honestly, I don’t keep nor hold the money for the ministry! But if I stole and used it for constructing this Satellite Laboratory, to God be the Glory.”
She implored men above 40s to take advantage of the laboratory available within their disposal to test for prostate cancer at Lira Regional referral Hospital.
Dr Aceng unveiling the new satellite laboratory at the commissioning event.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, explained that the satellite Laboratory at Lira regional Referral Hospital constructed and commissioned for use to help to diagnose a number of diseases besides reducing travel to Kampala for such activities.
She encouraged the researchers at Lira University to use the satellite laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital to do research without sending their samples to Kampala, because the machines put in this lab can test cancer, every virus and bacteria and tell you which drugs suit your disease.
Dr. Andrew Odur, the Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, said the satellite laboratory is expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve patient care, and strengthen the hospital’s ability to manage outbreaks and emergencies.
‘’the regional referral has just got the gift of a satellite laboratory. This laboratory, as we have heard or seen, has the capacity to do very many sophisticated tests. ‘’The lab will complement the already existing microbiology laboratory. As Hospital’s management, we are working tirelessly to ensure the hospital boost healthcare services in the region,’’Odur said
Despite this advancement, Dr. Odur noted challenges in staffing, with only 500 employees out of the 1,200 required, and an overwhelming number of patients seeking services daily.
The hospital currently has 15 government-recruited specialists, with an additional 15 supported by training institutions like Kampala International University and Lira University.
Odur however said Plans are underway to recruit 10 more specialists in the next financial year and increase staffing in critical units, including the HIV department and nursing teams.
‘’We are also planning to bring on board more staff to help in the HIV unit, more staff to beef the current existing nurses who are still not to the number that can serve the population. So these are prayers for the future and we hope that with the proper planning, we’ll be able to have the position filled and we’ll have enough workforce for the long term,’’Odur said.
