Ruharo Mission Hospital commissions multi-million radiology unit

MBARARA - Ruharo Mission Hospital has commissioned a state-of-the-art Radiology Unit valued at over sh300 million. The new equipment was officially unveiled on Sunday in Mbarara City.

Catherine Kamwine the Mbarara resident city commissioner, officiated at the event on behalf of Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the tourism state minister, who was invited as the chief guest.

Dr Bekson Tayebwa, the medical director at Ruharo Mission Hospital, revealed that the newly commissioned X-ray machine is fully computerised and represents the latest technology available both in Uganda and internationally.

The launch was attended by Ankole Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, along with other senior officials from both the Church and Government.

“A medical image taken from a patient can be shared instantly with other doctors in Uganda and abroad (teleradiology), allowing for collaborative consultation and better treatment outcomes,” Dr Tayebwa explained to guests at the event.

In his address, Bishop Mwesigwa expressed satisfaction upon learning that the machine emits minimal radiation, ensuring patient safety.

“I was happy to be informed that with this machine, the operator is able to adjust the X-ray for a child versus an adult, chest versus head, etc., to make sure no harm is done to the person. This was not easily possible with the previous technology of X-ray, which was more manual,” the Bishop noted.

Bishop Mwesigwa commended the collaboration between Ruharo Mission Hospital and Joint Medical Stores, which enabled the acquisition of the high-value equipment. He noted its ability to perform high-quality medical investigations quickly and efficiently, improving service delivery for patients.

Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, chairman of the board at Ruharo Mission Hospital, said the decision to invest in the new equipment aimed to strengthen diagnosis and treatment in a wide range of areas, including accident and trauma cases, tuberculosis and other lung infections such as pneumonia, intestinal obstruction, bone-related illnesses like cancer and swelling, brain injury, infertility, and many other medical and surgical conditions.

RCC Catherine Kamwine urged communities in and around Mbarara city to take advantage of the new technology.

She commended Ankole Diocese for not only spreading the gospel but also investing in life-saving initiatives that benefit the wider community.

Celestine Bamwesigye, who represented the executive director of Joint Medical Stores, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the hospital in its modernisation efforts.

“We shall continue engaging in building and equipping this hospital,” he stated.