A group of European tourists is building a state-of-the-art orthopaedic ward at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

With a capacity of 64 beds, the ward is 80% complete and scheduled to be commissioned within the next two months. The ward is valued at Shs 900 million, and its purpose is to relieve congestion in the current facility, which only has 24 beds. Apart from increasing capacity, the new ward also has rooms specifically designated for children to prevent them from interacting with adult patients.

When finished, it will have special beds and mattresses for patients with disabilities, improving their access to high-quality healthcare. Additionally, the ward has isolation rooms to enable patients with contagious diseases to receive comprehensive orthopaedic care alongside their regular medical treatments.

The initiative stemmed from a group of European tourists, led by Samuel Leads, who embarked on an adventurous expedition along the River Nile, exploring key spots such as Itanda and Busowoko falls. Following their journey, they resolved to allocate part of their trip’s savings to a social corporate responsibility project along the river.

After researching various facilities, their guides recommended Jinja hospital. Upon visiting the orthopaedic ward, located approximately 10 meters from the administration block, they were dismayed by the overcrowding and stories of patients being discharged prematurely due to limited space.

Promptly engaging with hospital administrators, they facilitated the necessary paperwork and broke ground for the orthopaedic ward before the expiration of their visas. Dr Alfred Yayi, the Hospital Director, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the relief it brings to patients who will now enjoy increased privacy and more quality time with healthcare workers.

With the capacity set to rise to 98 beds, Yayi anticipates that more patients will access specialized healthcare services at the hospital. He also highlighted Jinja’s strategic location along the Eastern corridor, which witnesses heavy traffic flow and frequent accidents. The expanded space will help save lives by reducing the need for referrals to other hospitals.