Mulago National Referral Hospital has revealed that it needs an extra Shs204.577 billion to maintain free healthcare services for Ugandans and address financial pressures that have contributed to patients being charged for some medical services.The funding request was made during a visit by Parliament’s Health Committee, which toured the hospital to examine the state of healthcare delivery and investigate growing complaints from patients who say they are being asked to pay for treatment at a facility supported by public funds.During the engagement, lawmakers questioned why patients at Uganda’s largest public hospital continue to incur medical expenses despite government funding being allocated to provide essential services.
Several MPs said they have received numerous appeals from constituents seeking help to clear hospital bills accumulated at Mulago.The committee expressed particular concern over claims that some families are required to pay outstanding costs before the remains of deceased relatives are released. Legislators said such reports raise serious questions about access to healthcare and the financial burden placed on vulnerable citizens.Mulago Executive Director Dr Rose Byanyima, however, said some complaints presented to MPs do not always reflect the actual situation at the hospital. She explained that some patients claim they are being charged for services that are already available free of charge.Dr Byanyima told the committee that some charges introduced at the hospital are linked to the need to maintain critical medical equipment. She explained that machines such as CT scanners and MRI equipment were previously providing free services but frequent breakdowns caused by inadequate maintenance funding forced management to introduce fees to keep them functioning.
The MPs also raised concerns over the cost of intensive care services, questioning whether daily ICU charges estimated between Shs200,000 and Shs300,000 are within reach for ordinary Ugandans facing medical emergencies.The Health Committee directed Mulago management to submit a detailed report outlining the funding gap, essential services affected, and resources needed to restore full free access to healthcare. Parliament said the findings will help determine the support required to ensure patients are not denied treatment because of financial difficulties.
