Lira City, Uganda– The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, today officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a UGX 9.6 billion Regional Blood Bank in Lira City, adjacent to Lira University. The state-of-the-art facility is poised to revolutionize blood collection, storage, and distribution in Northern Uganda, significantly improving emergency healthcare services and saving countless lives.
The project, which will be executed by the UPDF Engineers Brigade, has allocated UGX 5.6 billion for construction and UGX 4 billion for equipping the facility with modern blood storage and processing equipment. This strategic investment underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in regional centers.
Dr. Aceng was joined by key officials from the Ministry of Health, including Ag. Director General Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Uganda Blood Transfusion Services Dr. Dorothy Byabazeire, and Commissioner of Health Infrastructure, Eng. George Otim. In her address, Dr. Aceng emphasized the critical role of the blood bank in addressing healthcare challenges in the region.
“Timely access to safe and adequate blood supplies is essential in reducing maternal mortality, surgical complications, and emergency fatalities. This facility will ensure that the people of Northern Uganda have reliable access to lifesaving blood transfusion services,” Dr. Aceng stated.
The new blood bank is expected to alleviate the region’s dependency on blood banks in Kampala, improving the efficiency and reliability of blood supply to hospitals across Northern Uganda. It will also serve as a hub for blood collection and distribution, catering to the needs of Lango and surrounding regions.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure, with the government prioritizing equitable access to health services across the country. The construction is projected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring that the facility becomes operational as soon as possible.
The Regional Blood Bank in Lira City is a testament to the government’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and saving lives, particularly in underserved regions.
