The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Sam
.K. KUTESA, together with Hon. Robinah NABANJA Minister of State for
Health this morning received the Bhabhatron II Cobalt Radiotherapy
Machine and Advanced Digital Radiotherapy Simulator from H.E Ravi SHAKAR
the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda. The equipment which is a
donation from the Government of India to Uganda was commissioned in a
highly attended event. It will be used for Cancer treatment at the
Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) Mulago.
While delivering his statement
as the Chief Guest, Hon Kutesa, conveyed a message of gratitude on
behalf of the Government and people of Uganda for these Cancer Treatment
machines donated by the Government and the people of India. The
Minister further hailed the excellent cordial bilateral relations deeply
rooted in the history, shared values and culture of both countries.

The Minister further recalled the official visit of the Prime Minister
of India His Excellency Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Uganda in
July 2018. This visit cemented further the relations between the two
countries in many areas including health. During this visit, the Prime
Minister announced the donation of the Bhabhatron II Cobalt Radiotherapy
Machine cancer treatment machines.
Hon. Kutesa noted that these
machines will greatly improve the capacity of the Uganda Cancer
Institute in handling cases of cancer, alleviating the suffering of
cancer patients, and give better access to treatment. The Minister
further emphasized that the Uganda Cancer Institute is now a Center of
Excellence of oncology in the whole of the East Africa region. Uganda is
proud to host this centre and the addition of this machine will go a
long way in supporting its important work in the fight against Cancer.
The Minister further acknowledged the work of Professor Charles Olweny,
the Board Chair Uganda Cancer Institute, for his contribution to the
cancer fight as a researcher, oncologist and administrator.
The
Minister acknowledged the need for additional support to be accorded to
the Uganda Cancer Institute, reaffirmed his support, and that of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue to work with our development
partners to mobilize more support in this important and critical area.
In her remarks, Hon. Robinah Nabanja, Minister of State for Health,
also thanked the Government of India for the donation of this
Radiotherapy Machine and Advanced Digital Radiotherapy Simulator which
is a significant boost for Cancer treatment at the Uganda Cancer
Institute in Mulago. She also paid a special tribute to Hon. Sam Kutesa
and the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the tireless
efforts made in mobilization and delivery of this much-required
facility.
Hon. Nabanja commended the Government of India for setting
up a telemedical Centre at Mulago Hospital complex. This centre is
connected to 11 reputed Indian hospitals and ensures quality medical
consultation and treatment of patients, and provides training for
Makerere University medical students.
The Minister recalled, that as
early as 2016, the sole functioning radiotherapy machine in Uganda
broke down, leaving 40 million people in this Uganda without access to
this life-saving treatment. Following a request from the government, the
IAEA provided expert services, staff training and procurement of
equipment through its technical cooperation programme, leading to the
procurement and installation of a new cobalt-60 machine and the
re-establishment of radiotherapy services in the country.
The
Government is committed to ensuring access to quality radiotherapy
services and cancer treatment services with collaborations from various
entities and states through Improving Access to Radiotherapy, Increasing
Human Resources for cancer control and Improving Access to Cancer
Medicines and Supplies, the Government has also supported the Uganda
Cancer Institute improve her efficiency in procurement of cancer
medicines and supplies.
Hon. Nabanja also commended, the staff of
the Uganda Cancer Institute headed by Dr Orem Jackson for using the
miniature resources available to provide high-quality cancer care as a
Center of Excellence in Oncology in the East African region.
H.E Ravi SHAKAR the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda noted with appreciation the reception of these Cancer treatment machines by the Government of Uganda and emphasized that this gesture is a gift of friendship by the Indian Government to assist in the treatment
He
further reiterated India has not only become a preferred destination of
choice for quality health care for Ugandans, but several Indian
hospitals and business entities are exploring opportunities to set up
specialist hospitals in Uganda. I wish to encourage more Indian
Investors to invest in the health sector, where opportunities still
abound.
In attendance were representatives from the World Health
Organization (WHO), Members of Parliament, the Chairperson and Board
UCI, Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Officials from the
Ministry of Health, Officials from the Ministry of Energy & Mineral
development & Officials from the Media Centre and other members of
civil society organizations and the general public.