Dr. Jackson Ojera Abusu, the Acibadem country representative in Uganda, in a recent interview with Prosper Magazine, has called onto the Ugandan government to increase its health sector funding.
Dr. Abusu's plea aligns with the Abuja Declaration, an agreement adopted by African Union member states, including Uganda, 23 years ago. This declaration recommended that at least 15 percent of national budgets be allocated to health to ensure adequate funding for essential health services and infrastructure.
Dr. Abusu, a seasoned Public Health specialist, emphasized that despite the commitment made in Abuja, Uganda has not yet met this target.
"The health sector is the backbone of any nation’s development," he stated. "Investing in health is investing in human capital, which is important for economic growth and development."
Currently, Uganda allocates less than 10 percent of its national budget to health. This underfunding has resulted in numerous challenges, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortages of essential medicines, and a lack of trained healthcare professionals.
Dr. Abusu argues that increasing the health budget to at least 20 percent would address these issues and significantly improve health outcomes for Ugandans.
"By boosting health sector funding, we can build more hospitals and clinics, ensure a steady supply of medicines, and train more healthcare workers," Dr. Abusu explained.
He also highlighted the importance of preventative care, which is often neglected due to insufficient funding.
"Preventative care reduces the incidence of diseases and lessens the burden on healthcare facilities. It’s a cost-effective way to improve public health."
Dr. Abusu's call for increased funding comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in health systems worldwide, and Uganda is no exception.
The pandemic has strained Uganda’s healthcare system, highlighting the urgent need for better preparedness and resilience.
"COVID-19 has shown us that we cannot afford to underfund health. We must be steadfast and ensure our health system can handle both routine health issues and unexpected crises," he said.
Dr. Abusu stressed the need for collaboration and partnerships in the health sector. He believes that the government alone cannot tackle the challenges facing the health sector.
"We need a multi-sectoral approach that includes partnerships with private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and international partners," he suggested.
The launch of the Acibadem information office in Uganda is a step towards developing such partnerships. Acibadem, a leading global healthcare group, aims to collaborate with the Ugandan government and other stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery in the country.
"Our goal is to bring international expertise and best practices to Uganda, helping to improve the quality of healthcare services," Dr. Abusu noted.
The need for improved healthcare is also a matter of social justice, according to Dr. Abusu.
"Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Every Ugandan, regardless of their socio-economic status, should have access to the healthcare they need," he asserted.
Dr. Abusu's message is clear: Uganda must prioritize health in its national budget to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for its citizens.
By committing at least 20 percent of the national budget to health, Uganda can make strides towards achieving universal health coverage and improving the overall well-being of its population.
Dr. Abusu called on policymakers to take steps in reallocating resources towards the health sector.
"The benefits of increased health funding are immense. It will not only improve health outcomes but also boost economic productivity and development. It’s time for Uganda to honor its commitment to the Abuja Declaration and invest in the health of its people," he urged.
As Uganda considers its budgetary priorities for the coming years, the call from Dr. Abusu and other health advocates serves as a timely reminder of the critical importance of investing in health. Only through sustained and substantial investment can Uganda build a robust and resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its population now and in the future.
