Hoima Hospital installs new x-ray machines to improve patient care
According to the hospital director, Dr Bwaga Ibrahim, the newly acquired digital X-ray machines will significantly improve diagnostic capabilities and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialised services.
By George Niyonzima
Patients at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital are set to benefit from improved diagnostic services following the installation of two modern X-ray machines at the facility.
The hospital has also acquired a mobile digital X-ray machine equipped with computer-aided software to strengthen Tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis in Hoima District and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.
According to the hospital director, Dr Bwaga Ibrahim, the newly acquired digital X-ray machines will significantly improve diagnostic capabilities and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialised services.
Dr Bwaga described the acquisition as a major milestone for the region and commended the Ministry of Health for supporting the hospital.
“These machines will not only improve TB screening and diagnosis but will also strengthen service delivery for the large population served by this hospital,” he said.
He further revealed that the government had allocated funds in the next financial year to address the persistent shortage of specialised medical personnel at the facility.
“We are going to attract a number of specialists in Hoima to help treat our people. The government has already given us the money,” Dr Bwaga said.
He noted that the hospital has long struggled to operate some medical equipment and provide specialised treatment due to the absence of critical staff, including a senior anaesthetist, paediatrician, dispenser, gynaecologist, surgeon, and obstetrician.
Dr Bwaga added that the ongoing renovation and expansion of the hospital had enabled the establishment of more units and the installation of modern equipment aimed at improving healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Gloria Iyamet said the government had also installed a transformer to support the hospital’s newly established oxygen manufacturing plant.
Iyamet explained that the facility had been spending nearly Shs1 million weekly on fuel to power generators running the oxygen plant.
“We have been spending one million shillings per week on fueling the generator to power the oxygen plant. I am happy that the government has given us a transformer to run the facility,” she said.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and improving service delivery to communities.
Kibuuka Ambrose, the hospital’s senior radiographer, said the mobile X-ray machine would greatly improve access to diagnostic services for the community.
“The community has been lacking a lot, but since we have got the mobile X-ray machine, people are going to be served better,” he said.
