Ministry of Health Opens Modern Satellite Lab to Boost Diagnostics at Fort Portal Hospital

The Ministry of Health has officially opened a new satellite laboratory at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, aiming to strengthen diagnostic services and accelerate patient care in western Uganda. The facility is part of broader efforts by the Ministry to upgrade health infrastructure and promote clinical governance across the country.

During the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine emphasized the essential role accurate diagnostics play in effective treatment. She highlighted the need for improved planning and accountability in healthcare delivery to minimize waste and ensure efficient use of medical resources.

Dr. Atwine urged hospital managers to better align their supply orders with actual patient demand and available budgets to avoid drug expiries and stock-outs. She stressed that strengthening logistics management is crucial to delivering consistent and quality care.

The newly launched laboratory is outfitted with advanced diagnostic equipment designed to provide faster and more reliable results across a broad spectrum of health conditions. This development is expected to significantly boost the hospital’s operational capacity and support timely medical interventions.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to healthcare system improvements, Dr. Atwine noted that quality service begins with robust infrastructure and good governance. She called on health professionals to maintain a high standard of accountability in managing resources.

The launch of this laboratory represents a significant step in decentralizing medical services and expanding access to modern healthcare in underserved regions. It is a key milestone in the Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen Uganda’s health sector.