By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Mulago National Referral Hospital is requesting an additional Shs2.6 billion to support the provision of free meals to patients, Executive Director Rosemary Byanyima revealed during a presentation to Parliament’s Health Committee.
Byanyima highlighted that the hospital’s current budget allocation falls short of meeting the nutritional needs of its patients, many of whom are referred from other facilities or arrive without identification, making it difficult for them to afford food.
Currently, patients are served a basic meal of posho and beans, but Byanyima emphasized that enhanced funding would enable the hospital to improve the quality and nutritional value of meals, contributing to better health outcomes.
She noted that adequate nutrition is critical for patient recovery, particularly for those with severe illnesses or undergoing complex treatments and expressed hope that the additional funds would help address this pressing need.
The request underscores the challenges faced by Uganda’s public healthcare facilities in providing comprehensive care, as they often grapple with resource constraints while serving a large and diverse patient population.
The hospital’s appeal for support highlights the broader issue of healthcare funding and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure that patients receive adequate care, regardless of their financial means.
