Surgeons, under their umbrella organization, the Association of Surgeons of Uganda (ASOU), have called for urgent action to improve surgical and anesthetic care across the country.
Prof. Moses Galukande, the President of ASOU, emphasized the need for a structured approach to enhance surgical access and safety in Uganda, underscoring the importance of the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOP) as a critical framework to bring together various stakeholders.
In his address, Prof. Garukande urged the government to prioritize surgical care through targeted legislation, highlighting the need for sustained support and adequate funding to ensure that improvements are effectively implemented.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anesthetists, and obstetricians, in amplifying the message of the crucial role of surgical care in the healthcare system.
A key concern raised during the discussions was the alarming statistic that 4 million people in Uganda require surgical intervention, but only 20% have access to it.
Prof. Garukande pointed out that, despite its significance, surgery is often overlooked in health policy discussions, with more attention typically given to infectious diseases.
He called for a more balanced approach to health policy that addresses both surgical needs and other public health issues.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, acknowledged Uganda’s skilled healthcare workforce but emphasized the critical issue of inadequate medical equipment and infrastructure.
She stressed the importance of making better use of existing expertise and investing in the country’s healthcare infrastructure to reduce reliance on external resources.
These discussions took place at the 3rd Annual ASOU Scientific Conference, held under the theme “Re-imagining Surgical Education and Care: Pivoting to Equitable and Holistic Practices”, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The conference aimed to address the pressing challenges in surgical care and promote a more inclusive healthcare system that ensures access to high-quality surgical services for all Ugandans.
By Ben Musanje
27th Mar, 2025
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