‘Seek medical advice on life-threatening neurological conditions’

By Douglas Mubiru

KAMPALA - Ugandans have been urged to always seek proper diagnosis and treatment from medics when facing life-threatening neurological conditions.

“Many individuals today shy from seeking neurosurgical care due to myths and misconceptions about neurological conditions and procedures. Such beliefs delay critical medical interventions, thereby worsening one’s health condition or even leading to death,” warned Dr Samuel Oluka, a neurosurgeon.

Dr Oluka made the remarks on Friday, February 28, 2025, during the blood donation drive and conduction of the free sickle cell screening initiative at Ruby Hospital, Lugogo in Kampala.

Oluka also launched a neurosurgical microscope, a medical equipment he said will provide high-quality optics and engineering for neurosurgery, spine, multi-disciplinary and other microsurgery disciplines in the country. 

“Locally, Ugandans will no longer have to seek medical attention abroad when such equipment that handles neurosurgery is available, the medication also becomes cheaper,” said Oluka.

He added, “This is a special microscope that helps us with magnification, and looking down into the brain, and it provides real-time augmented reality view of the surgical field. So, we hope provision of such modern equipment will prompt more people to seek appropriate care, ultimately saving lives and preventing unnecessary suffering.”

According to Oluka, patient safety is also guaranteed, insisting, “By providing real-time feedback, Intraoperative Neuromonitoring helps prevent neurological damage, such as brain, spinal cord, or nerve injuries. It allows the surgical team to respond promptly, reducing the risk of long-term postoperative complications.”

A medic takes a patient’s blood samples during the free sickle cell screening at Ruby Hospital on Friday. (Credit: Douglas Mubiru)

Benefits of blood donating 

According to James Bernard Okello, a blood donor recruiter, attached to Nakasero Blood Bank, donating blood has many advantages including knowing one's blood group and whether they have enough blood, thereby calling on all able Ugandans to donate blood.

By press time, Okello said they had collected 40 units of blood at Ruby Hospital, adding “By 5:00pm, we shall have corrected 60 units,” adding that blood donation reduces the chances of acquiring blood pressure, which causes instant death of people.

Free sickle cell screening

Dr Hannington Tukashabe of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and Tackle Sickle Cell Africa (TSCA) said they had screened over 100 people with the sickle cell disease (SCD), urging Ugandans to always test for the disease for early management.

Vinod Vaid Yanam (R), the Ruby Hospital head of operations, and Jamil Damji during the hospital’s neurosurgical microscope launch in Kampala. (Credit: Douglas Mubiru)

Background 

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the shape (the appearance of sickles) and function of red blood cells, causing them to block blood vessels and damage organs. 

Uganda is a highly sickle cell-burdened country. The national prevalence of sickle cell trait is 13.3%, and the prevalence of sickle cell disease is 0.73%. The regions with the highest prevalence of the disease are eastern, northern, and central.

It is estimated that 20,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease in Uganda each year, and approximately 15,000 of these babies die before the age of five.

Vinod speaks

Vinod Vaid Yanah, the Ruby Hospital head of operations said the blood donation exercise was done in collaboration with the French Chamber of Commerce in Uganda (FCCU) and the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda (BCCU). In contrast, RareMark Foundation assisted with free sickle cell screening.

“Uganda’s healthcare system requires a steady supply of 1,000–1,200 units of blood daily to meet the demands of medical emergencies and ongoing treatments. However, the country often experiences shortages, putting countless lives at risk. This is why we have called to action for individuals, corporate leaders, and organizations to contribute to saving lives by donating blood,” said Vinod.