General
Mak Launches RxSolution to Take Health Services to the Top
The Makerere University Health Services on Thursday 21st November, 2019 launched RxSolution; an integrated pharmaceutical management software, to improve its three pillars of service delivery, training and research. The solution was implemented with support from the USAID Uganda Health Supply Chain (UHSC) Program through the Ministry of Health (MoH).
According to UHSC’s Mr. Michael Kavuma, Mak Health Services is the first public health facility to implement the RxSolution’s dispensing module, which allows users to trace medicine all the way from the stock to the patient, in order to ensure accountability at dispensing level. The dispensing module is linked to the stock module and allows for computerized stock management tasks at patient service points in the outpatient and inpatient departments, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic, Tuberculosis (TB) clinic, wards, laboratories and other service points.
Mr. Kavuma further shared that RxSolution has been implemented in 276 of Uganda’s 400 higher-level health facilities with Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital and Kayunga General Hospital as pilots. These public facilities can now order for stocks from the National Medical Stores (NMS) using RxSolution software.
As a result of implanting RxSolution, Mak’s Health Services now stand to benefit from; enhanced service delivery through the solution’s ability to incorporate clinical guidelines, multiple reports that can inform decision making, streamlined patient management which empowers administrators to make prioritized deployments of staff as well as support to planning and budgeting for drug stocks.
The Director Mak Health Services Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha thanked USAID and UHSC for their support in deploying RxSolution as well as training staff on use of the software. He added that RxSolution will go a long way in enhancing the research pillar of Mak Health Services. “We currently have three postgraduate students from the Department of Radiology and a number of undergraduates, especially those speciliazing in Health Management Information Systems.”
Prof. Byamugisha lauded the Health Services Interim Board for the role played in setting the agenda for the Hospital, adding that the Board’s vision is to take Mak Health Services to the level of the University’s continental ranking.
“We are committed to looking at Health Services beyond just this hospital. We have clinics at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) and in Jinja, so as to bring services closer to not only our staff and students but to the surrounding communities as well” he explained.
The Director shared that Mak Health Services are also open to the public, which currently makes up 10% of the total clientele served. He added that the objective was to increase this percentage significantly, so as to generate funds that can be used to further enhance service delivery and boost the facility’s financial sustainability.
The Dean, School of Health Sciences, Dr. Freddy Kitutu could not help but use the occasion to brag about his School’s enviable position of being home to five key disciplines namely; Allied Health Scientists, Dentists, Nurses, Midwives and Pharmacists, despite its relatively small size and young age. He commended the partners for implementing RxSolutions, noting that reports from the system would make it possible for the Pharmacists to carry out detailed reviews on the use of medicines.
Dr. Kitutu reminded the audience that the RxSolution Launch within the World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) 2019 was timely, as this would help Mak Health Services in curtailing the development of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through improved prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics. He nevertheless noted that prevention is better than cure and called for continued promotion of healthy habits like handwashing.
Speaking on behalf of USAID and UHSC, the Chief of Party, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) Uganda, Mr. Phillip Kamutenga, stated that the support to the Ministry of Health by the partners is meant to ensure that there is uninterrupted supply of medicines in the country. “I am therefore proud that we are going to be witnessing the launch of the dispensing module of RxSolution at the Makerere University Hospital today.”
Mr. Kamutenga emphasised that the traceability of medicines across the supply chain from the stores to the dispensing point is very important and Makerere University is going to be a reference point for all Public Health Units in as far as implementing the dispensing module is concerned. “USAID through the Uganda Health Supply Chain Program has donated the RxSolution, provided 20 computers, set up a Local Area Network and trained clinicians on the system to support this.”
He added that there are never enough resources to finance public health the world over and as such, Public Health Facilities can save a lot by reducing on expiries, stock outs and procuring only what is required by their clients.
The day’s lineup of speakers would have been incomplete without a voice from the student body, the biggest beneficiaries of the Mak Health Services. The President, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Fifth Year Medicine and Surgery student, Mr. Sserunjogi Emmanuel could not hide his joy at being associated with what he described as “a game changing event.”
He therefore commended his Principal for working with the Mak Health Services to deliver quality diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to the Makerere Community and members of the public through the introduction of RxSolution. “The Makerere University Hospital has today become the epitome of digitizing health services in Uganda.”
The Principal CHS, Prof. Charles Ibingira could not help but laud his colleagues for taking on the challenge of managing the Mak Health Services. He thanked the University Council and Management for assigning his college this responsibility, noting that health services ought to be prioritized for the good of all in the community.
“This hospital has the greatest potential in the country and region; we have the biggest number of specialists at the College, we admit over 400 doctors and health service officers per year and with our vision to create a health management organization present in all Ugandan cities, we could easily become a leading medical tourism destination for the region” remarked Prof. Ibingira.
He therefore thanked USAID, UHSC and the Ministry of Health for working with Makerere University to augment service delivery, training and research efforts within its health services through the implementation of RxSolution. The Principal nevertheless urged the Director Mak Health Services to develop educational programs for staff and students aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles in the face a growing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)s burden.
Representing the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Commissioner Pharmaceutical & Natural Medicines, Ms. Neville Okuna Oteba shared that her Ministry is currently pursuing all efforts to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for Uganda and the successful implementation of integrated pharmaceutical management solutions such as RxSolution lies at the centre of these efforts.
The Commissioner shared MoH’s expectations of Mak Health Services following the successful implementation of RxSolution, with the need to become a Centre of Excellence topping the list. In this regard, she expressed joy that Hospital Staff had already stood out for the exceptional enthusiasm in embracing the rollout of RxSolution. “The College should now ensure that all students visit the Hospital and learn how to use the system before they graduate.”
Ms. Okuna Oteba also stated that MoH expects RxSolution to promote the use investigative health care practices at the Hospital. “Antimicrobial Resistance is a time bomb waiting to happen and all of us are potential victims. We therefore need to talk more about the seriousness posed by poor prescription and dispensing of medicines.”
She concluded by emphasizing that investment in systems should benefit the people, especially as health facilities progress towards paperless patient care management. The Commissioner also asked the Hospital Administration to ensure that all research findings that can inform policy are shared with the Ministry of Health.
Delivering the concluding remarks prior to launching the system, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated CHS as well as the Mak Health Services Management and Staff upon transforming the face of the Hospital within a short period of time. He particularly expressed happiness at the reducing number of students seeking treatment outside the hospital, a reaffirmation of the improved services.
The Vice Chancellor commended Staff especially in the clinical sciences for their dedication to ensuring that students are well trained, noting that they are our future leaders. In the same breath, he thanked the Ministry of Health for regularly providing Mak staff with various opportunities especially in the form of consultancies.
He equally thanked USAID and UHSC for support rendered to Mak Health Services through the various collaborations, noting that this would translate into increased reports from satisfied clients. Prof. Nawangwe then went ahead to launch the RxSolution as well as tour the state-of-the-art laboratory and modern 3D/4D ultrasound unit. He also toured the specialized clinics in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Optometry, Dental, Psychiatry as well as Obstetrics/Gynaecology.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Minister Janet Museveni Lays Foundation Stone for School of Graduate Studies Building, Commissions the School of Law Building and the renovated Lumumba Hall
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has laid the foundation stone for Makerere University’s School of Graduate Studies building, whose construction is now underway.
The Minister laid the foundation stone for the USD8 million project during a brief function held on Wednesday 18th December 2024 at the site opposite Makerere University’s Lumumba Hall. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, University Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara, and Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
Others in attendance included Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Professor Henry Alinaitwe; Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi; University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda; Dean of Students Winfred Kabumbuli; Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba; and the Vice Guild President, Joy Eve Serunjogi among others.
The building is a donation (in-kind) from the late Hasmukh Patel, an industrialist and former Chairman of Tororo Cement who passed away on August 29, 2024, after a short illness. The journey to this befitting donation to Makerere University started in December 2022, when Hasmukh Patel accompanied by some members of his family and friends visited the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to declare his donation. From December 2022, a number of meetings were convened involving the Minister of Education and Sports, the University leadership, Mr. Hasmukh Patel, his family and Tororo Cement regarding this donation. Living true to his commitment during those meetings, his family and Tororo Cement are implementing his wishes to construct the building, which will house the School of Graduate Studies at Makerere University.
Before laying the foundation stone for the School of Graduate Studies building, Hon. Janet Museveni first unveiled a plaque to officially open the new building for the School of Law. She then headed to Lumumba Hall, where she unveiled another plaque marking the completion of its renovation.
The First Lady, who had initially laid the foundation stone for the School of Law building on May 17, 2022, returned to the main campus to officially open the completed structure. Funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 7.3 billion, the new three-storeyed building features lecture rooms, tutorial and seminar rooms, a library, a moot court, offices, a cafeteria, a lactation room, and other teaching and learning facilities. Construction was undertaken by M/S CK Associates, with Symbion serving as a consultant.
The renovation works for Lumumba Hall commenced in June 2023, with the site handed over to the contractor, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). Funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 9 billion, the project involved extensive renovations to restore Lumumba Hall to its original splendor. Lumumba Hall now accommodates about 725 students.
Lumumba Hall was the first hall of residence to undergo renovation, followed by Mary Stuart Hall, which has also been handed over to NEC for refurbishment. These renovations, which began last year, are a result of the Government of Uganda’s efforts to improve the nine (9) halls of residence at the main campus.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Janet Museveni thanked the University Council and management for their dedication to rebuilding the institution. She expressed confidence that the physical restoration efforts would also rebuild the character of young people.
“There is a restoration of dignity that comes to an institution or a community when we choose to rebuild and it is not only physical, there is a spiritual restoration that comes as well. For Nehemiah, it was not just the rebuilding of a physical wall it was the rebuilding of broken lives and a broken covenant. It was the rolling away of the reproach they had suffered as a nation,” she said.
Adding; “I therefore salute the Council and the management of Makerere for your dedication to the rebuilding of this University. I am confident that as you rebuild physically, you are rebuilding the character of our young people. My prayer is that the physical restoration is translating into the spiritual restoration of this great institution.”
The first lady, Hon. Janet Museveni recalled her earlier visit to Makerere University, where she observed the dilapidated state of the halls of residence, which prompted her to initiate the renovation works.
“I remember taking a tour of the halls of residence in this University and Kyambogo University in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. My heart bled when I saw the state of the halls of residence. Like Nehemiah, I took my burden to the Lord and now see what the Lord has done! Commissioning of the refurbished Lumumba Hall today is a testament to the faithfulness of our God. It is even more gratifying to know that other projects are ongoing and these include: the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the construction of the Perimeter Wall, and improvements at the University Hospital, including setting up an operating theatre and ICU.” She said.
Hon. Janet Museveni also expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for his leadership, which facilitated the realization of the Tororo Cement project. “This Project would not have been possible without the guidance and leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe, who drew my attention to this offer by Tororo Cement, and requested me to endorse this Project, which will be named after Mr. Hamukh Patel,” she said.
Adding: “I am informed that the construction of this building is estimated to cost 8 Million US dollars and will consist of: lecture and seminar rooms, smart classrooms, laboratories, an innovation space, a conference hall, offices and other facilities. We remain forever grateful for this donation, which will increase access and contribute to improving the quality of postgraduate education.”
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe commended Hon. Janet Museveni for prioritizing the development of Makerere University, which has seen remarkable progress under her leadership. “Hon. Minister, from the time you took over the Office of Minister of Education and Sports and the Higher Education Sector, Makerere University in particular has transformed tremendously. Most notable is the infrastructure revolution at Makerere. On several occasions, you have come to Makerere to lay the foundations for new buildings and to open completed buildings, including our iconic Main Administration Building,” he said.
“When you inspected the halls of residence in 2021, I could see the frustration in your eyes, looking at the dilapidated state the halls were in, especially Lumumba, part of which had been condemned for 2 years,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
“Hon. Minister, I am sure that today, after seeing the glamorous new building for the School of Law and the glittering renovated Lumumba Hall, you are in a completely different mood compared to that visit in 2021. We are as delighted as you must be and your efforts are the reason for our happiness today. Our law students and professors can now comfortably study, work and conduct research in the best building for any school of law that I have seen,” Prof Nawangwe added.
Reflecting on the Graduate School Building, Prof. Nawangwe recalled when he received a proposal from Mr. Hasmukh Patel in 2022 who had initially intended to donate the Main Administration Building, which had been destroyed by fire, but opted to donate School of Graduate Studies Building after finding that the main building reconstruction had already started.
“Hon. Minister, in the morning of 13th December 2022, a miracle happened in my office in the Frank Kalimuzo Building. General David Muhoozi and Major General Apollo Gowa walked into my office with the Late Hasmukh Patel. Gen. Muhoozi introduced Mr. Hasmukh Patel as the Chairman of Tororo Cement, who after learning about the destruction by a fire of our Main Administration Building, expressed the wish to reconstruct that iconic building. On reaching Makerere, Mr. Hasmukh Patel found a contractor already on site, and he told us, that he would all the same donate a building to Makerere University as a gift on our 100th anniversary,” Prof Nawangwe said.
“He said it in such a simple way, that I thought I was dreaming. That evening, at the invitation of Mr. Patel, I visited the building that Mr. Patel had built for a school at Bukoto and I told him that a similar building for Makerere would be just what we needed for our School of Graduate Studies and Research that we needed. The University Council unanimously voted to thank Mr. Patel for his magnanimous offer and, you, Maama Janet graciously endorsed the project. I later visited Mr. Patel in Mombasa and was amazed at the humanitarian work he was doing among the communities. He was such a rare human being,” Professor revealed.
“Today we are here to witness the laying of the foundation stone for this, the largest academic building at Makerere University, and the first such donation I know by an African philanthropist to a university in Africa. The building will have lecture and seminar rooms, a conference hall, innovation spaces, PhD student rooms, computer and other laboratories, a restaurant, staff offices and other facilities. I thank Tororo Cement and the family of the Late Hasmukh Patel for honoring his wish and I wish to assure Mr. Patel, who must be in heaven smiling at us, that we will honor his legacy in this building and that we will put the building to its best use in the service of humanity, which is what Mr. Patel lived for,” Prof Nawangwe added.
On her part, the state Minister for Primary Education, Honorable Joyce Moriku Kaducu acknowledged Hon. Janet Museveni for prioritizing the Education sector in her leadership, which has led to the tremendously development of the sector.
“On behalf of the education sector, we want to thank you as the mother of the nation, indeed you are a big gift and a blessing to the nation and education at large, all this achievement would not have been possible if it was not under your visionary leadership and the guidance you have offered,” Minister Kaducu said.
Hon. Kaducu also hailed Makerere University for playing a very critical role in sensitizing, disseminating knowledge, and raising awareness to the public on the message of the Parish Development Model, which is intended to create wealth among citizens.
“As President Museveni is preaching the message of wealth creation, I want in a special way to thank Makerere University for playing a very critical role in sensitizing, disseminating knowledge, and raising awareness to the public on the message of the Parish Development Model (PDM), and they have a committee that monitors and informs government. They are indeed part of the team promoting wealth creation in this country,” she said.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council said that the construction of the Graduate studies building speaks to the University’s mission of being a research-led institution because it comes as a dedicated building to house the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, which marks the resolution of a critical gap in our institutional framework
“At the heart of Makerere University’s current strategy is the promotion of a research-led institution, with a strong focus on graduate training. The establishment of a dedicated facility for the School of Graduate Studies, which also houses the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, marks the resolution of a critical gap in our institutional framework. The late Patel’s timely and generous contribution will undoubtedly advance graduate training and research for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional support,” she said.
Mr. Manish Varsani who represented the Patel family took the first lady through how Mr. Hasmukh Patel started the idea of donating the building to Makerere. He explained that, Mr. Patel intended to present a gift that was coming from the bottom of his heart, and he teamed up with General Muhoozi who led him to Prof. Nawangwe’s office.
He also recalled when Mr. Patel met H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Museveni in Bukoto where he (Patel) had donated a building to a school and told the President that he would want to donate the same building to Makerere University as a gift to the First Lady Janet Museveni because he loved her so much, and in response, the President said he would take the message back to the First Lady.
The Guild President Lubega Vincent Nsamba asked the First Lady to consider constructing another hall of residence for the female students to solve what he described as an accommodation imbalance.
“Maama Janet Museveni, allow me to report to you that we still have only three halls of residence gazetted for female students against the six halls of residence gazetted for male students. These halls of residences were built back in colonial and independent times when the female students were fewer compared to their male counterparts, and to me Maama, this accommodation imbalance is something that should be addressed,” he stated.
“To me Maama, this speaks to the sense of how there is a dire need to invest in another additional hall of residence for the girl child here at Makerere University, and Maama, without any fear of contradiction, we humbly request that you consider building an additional hall of residence named after you in recognition of the contribution and honor of the service you have made for this country as a mother and as an educator,” he said.
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