Ishaka Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, a faith-based private, not-for-profit institution owned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Uganda Union was initially established as a dispensary in 1948 and later became a missionary hospital in 1950
The hospital is seeking Shillings 3 billion to construct a state-of-the-art maternity block. Based in Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality, the hospital serves patients from the Greater Ankole region and the Rwenzori region.
Lydia Komugisha, the Executive Director of Ishaka Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, explained that the current maternity block, which has been in service for the past 40 years and has a capacity of thirty beds is condemned because of its dilapidated state. The Maternity ward provides antenatal care, immunization, and family planning among others.
The Ministry of Health’s Result-Based Financing program recommended the construction of a new, larger, and well-organized one-stop maternal and child healthcare center to address the current health needs of the surrounding population.
Komugisha highlights the overwhelming demand for the hospital’s services, particularly from expectant mothers who are attracted to the hospital because of its affordability, quality, and accessibility. On a daily basis, the hospital registers between 50 and 100 expectant mothers. To meet the growing demand, the hospital is now seeking over Shillings 3 billion to construct a 121-bed capacity complex.
This new facility will include an emergency maternity ward equipped with all related services, a pediatric ward, and an operational theater. During a fundraising ceremony held at the hospital over the weekend, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa criticized the proliferation of churches across the country that prioritize self-interest rather than serving humanity.
Tayebwa commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its commitment to the community, particularly the vulnerable population. “Most leaders especially us politicians live a life of disruption causing chaos,
So I always feel relieved and great when I join people who are focusing only on serving humanity because ours involves consuming power, somebody like me is killing humanity and will do it to achieve power. But yours is sometimes to repair what we destroy,” he said.
Tayebwa also acknowledged the historical significance of Ishaka Hospital, which was established in 1948 and revolutionized health services in the region. At that time, natural herbs were the primary form of medication, and health centers and hospitals were often the last resort.
Dr. Edward Mwesigye, the Bushenyi District Health Officer, expressed optimism that the completion of the new maternity block would significantly improve reproductive health services in the region.
The hospital currently serves over 15,000 mothers annually and plays a vital role in providing healthcare to the less fortunate members of the community, many of whom arrive without financial resources or other necessities.