Karagwe Hospital elevates health services after completion of the ICU facility

KARAGWE: THE establishment of Karagwe District Hospital and the addition of a modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have notably elevated healthcare services in the district, bringing essential medical care closer to the people.

Happiness Msanga, the Director of Karagwe District Council, announced yesterday that the major hospital construction project began on January 6, 2019, with an investment of 1.8bn/-. As part of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services, the ICU Building project commenced in February 2022, at 250m/-.

Msanga emphasized that the ICU has been constructed to meet high standards, equipped with state-of-the-art medical tools, including a modern oxygen system and advanced intensive care monitors.

These facilities ensure that patients’ conditions are closely monitored, significantly improving the quality of care for those in critical conditions.

A pivotal moment in the hospital’s journey came on March 28, 2023, when it received 31 medical supplies valued at 9.5bn/-, courtesy of the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG). The delivery of these supplies marked the completion of the ICU building and the official launch of its services.

Since January 1, 2024, the Karagwe District Hospital’s ICU has been operational, providing vital care to critically ill patients. This development has drastically enhanced the hospital’s capacity to save lives, especially by reducing the need for long-distance referrals, which often resulted in fatal delays.

Msanga noted that the new ICU services have brought a multitude of benefits to the local community, such as reducing the financial burden on citizens who previously had to travel long distances for ICU services.

The project has also bolstered public confidence in the local healthcare system, as the hospital now offers more comprehensive services within the district.

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The Director outlined the broader impact of the hospital’s expansion, which includes the construction of seven modern buildings designed to improve overall health infrastructure. These structures include an administration building, an outpatient department (OPD), a laboratory, a radiation building (for X-rays and ultrasounds), a parents’ building with wards for children, women, and men, and a medicine depot.

Additionally, the hospital has facilities such as laundry services, surgical wards for men and women, a morgue, and a surgical building. These upgrades have significantly enhanced the hospital’s ability to provide diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services, reducing the need for unnecessary referrals outside the district.

“Overall, the Karagwe District Hospital project and its modern ICU represent a significant achievement in health development, underscoring the critical role of healthcare investment in improving the well-being of the community,” Msanga said.

She added, “The residents of Karagwe now have a reason to smile, as services that were once a distant dream have now become a life-saving reality.”

This transformative project is not only a milestone in health service delivery but also a testament to the district’s commitment to providing better care for its people.