Ugandan Ministry of Health Faces Pressure to Clarify User Fees for CT-Scan Services

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation has instructed the Ministry of Health to reconcile its stance on the user fees for Computed Tomography (CT) scan services in government hospitals.

During their oversight visit to evaluate the implementation of government assurances in the Eastern region’s health sector, MPs noted a contradiction in the Ministry of Health’s position regarding CT-scan user fees.

While visiting Mbale Regional Referral Hospital on October 27, 2023, the hospital director, Stephen Obbo, informed the MPs that they charge Shs150,000 for CT-scan services. This fee is used for procuring consumables, equipment repairs, and maintenance for sustainability.

The MPs expressed concern that this charge contradicts the declaration by the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Hon. Anifa Kawooya, who stated that CT-scan services are free. They argued that Ugandans pay taxes for such services, and they should be accessible without charge.

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Betty Nambooze, reminded the MPs that the minister had informed the committee just the previous week that CT-scan services are free of charge. She emphasized that parliamentary funds could be allocated to maintain such equipment.

To the MPs’ astonishment, the hospital director presented a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, dated June 2, 2023, instructing hospitals to charge a specific amount of money for CT-scan services, contrary to the minister’s statement.

Nambooze criticized the inconsistency in the Ministry’s position and urged them to revise and harmonize their stance. MP Robert Ssekitoleeko also raised concerns about the lack of a standard user fee for CT-scan services in government hospitals, suggesting it creates room for misuse.

He noted the significant price variances between hospitals, such as Shs120,000 in Jinja, Shs150,000 in Mbale, and Shs50,000 in Mukono, while the services are entirely free in Mbarara.

Worried about the potential closure of CT-scan services due to the lack of a clear policy instrument, MPs Julius Emigu and Connie Galiwango expressed their concerns.

The MPs pledged to address this issue in Parliament next week as a matter of national importance.