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Regional hospitals and health centres in Busoga Sub-region and Eastern Uganda in general are to benefit from a Shs5.5 billion oxygen plant that was commissioned at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital on October 8.

The facility, which was constructed by the Engineering Brigade of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), was commissioned by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga.

Prior to this milestone, the Ministry of Health had between 2016 and 2020 installed oxygen plants at 13 regional referral hospitals across the country, including Entebbe, Mbale, Soroti and Fort Portal, among others, making Jinja to be the latest beneficiary.

The commissioner in-charge of health infrastructure in the Ministry of Health, Eng George Otim, said the Shs5.5b includes construction and installation of equipment, adding that the plant is “an expensive investment” which requires proper supervision and protection from any form of damage that may occur.

“It can serve the nation and Sub-region for up to ten years, and can produce 300 oxygen cylinders within 24 hours; however, the machines consume a lot of power and will likely take the monthly electricity bill to Shs17m,” Eng Otim said.

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