Uganda gives Sh10B to Mulago for drugs

The government of Uganda has doubled the funding for drugs to Mulago Hospital from 5.0 billion shillings ($2.9 million) to 10.0 billion shillings this financial year, the Health State Minister, Richard Nduhura, has said, according to AllAfrica.Com.

Speaking at the celebrations to mark 40 years of the existence of the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago Hospital, Dr Nduhura said the institute would receive an additional 150.0 million shillings for the renovation of its premises.

"Cancer is a cause of morbidity and mortality and it contributes significantly to the burden of disease. The cost of providing cancer care is very high given its specialized nature," noted Dr, adding that many patients do not access quality cancer care due to the limited facilities. Mulago Hospital registers 20,000 new cases annually, although it has only 60 beds.