Mulago Hospital faces Shs10 billion shortfall for ICU upgrades

Dr. Byanyima highlighted the inadequacy of the Shs122 billion budget allocation to Mulago, pointing out a shortfall of Shs200 billion, which includes the funds needed for the ICUs. "In the pediatric ICU, we have 15 beds but we are only operationalising five, in the adult ICU there are 27 beds but 14 are functional because that is what we can afford," Dr. Byanyima reported.

She cited the main challenges as understaffing and insufficient funding for ICU consumables, which prevents the units from operating at full capacity. "There are staffing gaps especially the nursing staff. We admit patients to ICU which is well equipped but there are no consumables; medicines will run out because of the shortages in the budgets," Dr. Byanyima explained.

An additional Shs10.8 billion, she noted, would cover the costs of consumables and maintenance for ICU equipment, enhancing the units' functionality.

Dr. Byanyima also mentioned the hospital's need for Shs28 billion to fill all vacant positions and requested Shs15 billion to finish construction at the lower Mulago site, which was overlooked in the 2024/2025 budget estimates.

Parliament members urged the Health Ministry to allocate a portion of the Shs3 billion from the 2023 supplementary budget to complete the lower Mulago project, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing construction work over other expenditures. "Our priority was that instead of money going to Lubowa Specialised Hospital and the court fees, the ministry prioritise completion of the construction works," George Bhoka Didi (NRM, Obongi County) stated.

Kabale Municipality's MP, Nicholas Kamara, voiced concerns over the hospital's image, noting the lack of budgeting for customer care improvements. The proposal for Shs5 billion to buy vehicles for 60 senior consultants was met with skepticism by MPs, who pointed out the consultants' frequent presence in private clinics.

"You are advocating for vehicles to motivate consultants but we are told they spend most of their time in private clinics," said Dr. Michael Lulume (DP, Buikwe County South).

Additionally, Elisa Rutahigwa (NRM, Rukungiri Municipality) questioned the low prioritization of gratuity and pension funding.