Mengo Hospital opens new Shs 20bn eye complex, appeals for govt support

Mengo Hospital has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Mengo Eye Complex.

The facility, which was largely funded by the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), was opened with much fanfare in a ceremony attended by notable dignitaries such as the Archbishop of Uganda, Rev Stephen Kaziimba, and the deputy speaker of parliament, Thomas Tayebwa.

The new complex was financed with Shs 20 billion ($5.3 million), primarily from CBM. It will revolutionise eye care not only in Uganda but throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. The complex represents a significant milestone in eye care in the region as it will be able to treat up to 560,000 patients annually and prevent blindness.

The expansion will increase the hospital’s operational space to approximately 4,280 square metres, including four state-of-the-art operating theatres and a ground-breaking eye bank to improve the availability of eye transplants.

The establishment of a cornea bank is a sign of Mengo hospital’s commitment to addressing the shortage of corneal tissue for transplants and ensuring that patients in need have access to treatment for corneal blindness, which is the second most common disease in Uganda after cataracts. This comes at the right time as the government passes the law allowing corneal transplants and human organ transplants in the country.

The four operating theatres in this complex will also allow the hospital to perform more surgeries and effectively treat a broader range of eye diseases. Specialised clinics will focus on eye diseases such as retinal diseases, glaucoma, paediatric and strabismus ophthalmology, orbita (eye socket) and corneal diseases.

Mengo hospital ophthalmologist and project manager and head of department Dr Lisbon Aliraki expressed his enthusiasm about the new complex.

“With the capacity to perform more cataract surgeries and introduce more than 20 new procedures, we will drastically improve our care,” he said.

This facility will also serve as a training ground for future ophthalmologists and eye specialists as part of training programmes aimed at developing a new generation of medical professionals.

The partnership between CBM and Mengo spans three decades. From treating five patients per day, the eye department has grown to 300 outpatients per day and 5,000 surgeries per year.

Jackie Kwesiga, CBM country director in Uganda said: “Our vision of an inclusive world where all persons with disabilities can realise their human rights and achieve their full potential drives all our work. This complex is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets dedication.”

Massimo Maggio, CEO of CBM Italy, also emphasised the joint efforts behind this success.

“This project is an exemplary example of what partnerships can achieve. We are very grateful to our donors, because their support was crucial.”

Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly the shortage of qualified labour needed to fully exploit the potential of the new complex. Dr Aliraki called on the government to meet this shortage so that the facility can reach its full potential.

The government has recognised its role in supporting such initiatives. Margret Muhanga, the minister of state for Health, said: “Our support through tax exemptions on medical equipment has been critical. This project is in line with our mission to improve lives and reflects our collaboration with faith-based and non-governmental organisations.”