The Northern Regional Cancer Facility, situated in Koro Sub County, Omoro District, south of Gulu City in Northern Uganda, is nearing its official inauguration.
This new facility was built to alleviate overcrowding at the main branch in Kampala and deliver cutting-edge treatment to cancer patients in the Northern region, eliminating the need for extensive travel. The initial phase of the Gulu Cancer Center is nearly complete, offering free medical care, and is scheduled to open officially in mid-June.
During a recent facility tour by Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) leadership and board members, the project’s chief engineer, Julius Ddamulira, reported that the construction progress works at the facility of the first phase is 90% complete and is on track for commissioning in mid-June this year.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of Uganda Cancer Institute, emphasized that this new center marks just the beginning of a broader initiative to raise awareness about cancer services and care in the region.
He however noted that the center, currently occupying four acres, requires an additional six acres for expansion to establish complex equipment like radiotherapy and nuclear Medicine.
He said that once land is available the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is willing to support the government in establishing radiotherapy and nuclear medicine under a program called the “Rays of Hope” project.
He said the program can’t be accessed without the land which is critical calling for assurance from the city’s leadership to support and provide land.
As patient numbers increase, the demands and challenges will become more apparent. The subsequent phases of the project, including the introduction of advanced services like radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and staff housing, necessitate an additional 6 acres of land located next to the cancer facility from Gulu City and Omoro local government, with an estimated cost exceeding 20 million dollars.
However, the hospital faces difficulties attracting specialized professionals to work in Gulu due to misconceptions about the location. Currently employing only 18 staff members, the hospital has struggled to recruit consultants despite active recruitment efforts.
Mr. Amos Obote, the administrative head of the Gulu UCI Center, reported that partial operations have already begun with 377 clients attended to and over 220 confirmed cases from July last year to December 2023.
Prof.William Bazeyo, Chairman of the Uganda Cancer Institute Board, called on donors to support the hospital in creating waiting areas for patients and doctors to prevent overcrowding, which could hinder service delivery.
He urged Gulu City leadership and facility management to promote the hospital’s services, highlighting its capacity to serve the Ugandan population effectively.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, a board member and the Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, recommended enhancing customer care and recruiting young doctors to enhance the new cancer center’s effectiveness.
Dr. Charles Olara, Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, advised the institute to prioritize preventive measures to reduce cancer prevalence by engaging with communities.
“While having this facility is crucial, our goal is to have fewer patients or early diagnoses to ensure optimal resource allocation and positive outcomes,” Dr. Olara stressed.
Gulu City Speaker Joyce Winnie Aliba and Gulu City Deputy RCC Peter Banya pledged to support the hospital’s operations.
The Northern Uganda Regional Cancer Center, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, laboratories, theaters, and a conducive environment, is poised to make a significant impact.
Gulu City Deputy RCC Peter Banya thanked the government for choosing the region to be first to build the cancer center, calling on the management to ensure that people get quality services and customer care which is key.
Concerning the challenges of power the center is experiencing, He said it will be addressed with the finalization of Aswa DAM and Karuma, adding the water problem will end especially after the completion of the water project to supply Gulu city with water from Karuma.
Gulu City Council Speaker Halima Joyce noted that when Gulu became a city the land surrounding the cancer center was not handed over, which makes it very difficult for decisions to be taken since is still under the management of the Omoro District Local government yet the facility is within the city of Gulu.
She urged the Uganda Cancer Institute to bring the leadership of Omoro on board in the discussion with Gulu City to sort out the issue of the land next to the cancer center facility which the leadership of the cancer institute has identified for expansion.
