The Rotary Club of Kampala South commissions a Dialysis Center in Mengo Hospital.
“Rotary strives to do its part and guarantee that treatments are available to patients because many community members cannot afford these services at market rates.”
On the 21st of January 2022, the Kampala South Rotary Club commissioned a three-bed dialysis unit in Mengo Hospital on the Sir Albert Cook Building. The project has been in the works for about 5 years and was enabled by Global Grant GG211922.
Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, the national vaccination coordinator who represented the health minister at the opening of the dialysis center, stated that the dialysis center will assist solve an issue that affects at least 9 million Ugandans.
"For over 125 years, Mengo Hospital has given Ugandans with affordable, quality health care." This action will see Mengo Hospital deliver quality, inexpensive dialysis, and it will be a significant milestone for Uganda," Dr Kyabanyinze said.
Rotary International has been committed and purposeful in its efforts to contribute to the needs of Uganda's health sector. The club has developed a name for itself as an active player in improving the health sector, from vaccination efforts to sponsoring much-needed operations to creating medical facilities like these. Rotary clubs have been in the vanguard of promoting locally led philanthropy by and with Ugandans, identifying a community or sectoral need and collaborating to meet it with their time, talent, and treasure.
The Rotary Club of Kampala South recognized the importance of partnerships when commissioning the Mengo Hospital Rotary Dialysis Centre. Dr. Charles Odaga, Club President, expressed gratitude for the efforts, generosity, and support of Rotary Partners and friends of the club, realizing that this was not a solitary walk for the club. Given the length of time it took to reach this illustrious milestone, the club expressed gratitude to Mengo Hospital for not giving up on them and patiently working with the club to make this a reality.
The Dialysis Centre currently has three dialysis machines to aid in the treatment of kidney disease. The unit has the capability of expanding from three to seven beds, which the club is eager to do.
District Governor, D9213 (Uganda), John Magezi Ndamira, stated that, “Rotary strives to do its part and guarantee that treatments are available to patients because many community members cannot afford these services at market rates.”
As Ugandans, we need a cost -effective, high-quality health-care system that ensures health care as a right for all of people. For healthcare, like education, needs prioritization. Access to health care is a civil right.
This is not the end of the Rotary Club of Kampala South's and Rotary International's contributions to Uganda and the health sector; more is on the way.
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