Uganda has taken a significant stride in improving healthcare accessibility with the introduction of interventional radiology at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Dr. Eva Nabawanuka, the lead radiologist, emphasised that this innovative approach will address the longstanding issue of Ugandans seeking treatment abroad due to lack of options locally.
By the time we reached Mulago National Referral Hospital, medical experts specializing in the field of radiology were busy with the day, for the due operation on one of the patients.
This kind of operation is referred to as the interventional radiology kind of operation the first of its kind in Ugandan public hospitals.
Dr. Eva Nabawanuka explained, “Basically, what we do with interventional radiology is we use the normal imaging that we have to guide our procedures. So, we are able to see the inside and we do something about it.”
The program, which began on Monday, has already showcased promising results, with the facility attending to a daily average of twenty-three patients seeking interventional radiology procedures.
This development offers newfound hope for individuals grappling with ailments such as cancer and accidents resulting in bleeding veins.
“We can go and unblock vessels in the brain, using a small hole going through a vessel, so with a small pin hall, you’re able to go to any body part you want to treat,” Dr Nabawanuka said.
By expanding specialized services, Mulago National Referral Hospital is set to bridge the treatment gap and save countless lives that might have otherwise been lost due to lack of access to advanced medical interventions.
The acting MD, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, said, “The hospital having undergone remodelling and reequipping, we thought we should now start doing more complex procedure and the hospital is ready to even advance the technology that we use.”
The utilization of interventional radiology not only demonstrates Uganda's commitment to enhancing healthcare but also underscores the potential for medical innovation to make a profound impact on people's lives.
Uganda becomes the sixth country on the African continent to deploy such technology in public facilities.
