Emulate proper medical testing than self-medication, Hon Aceng tells Lira residents

Lira City, (UG):– The Minister of Health and Woman Member of Parliament for Lira City, Hon Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has urged the public to prioritize medical testing over self-medication, a habit that often leads to complications and misdiagnoses.

Dr. Aceng made this appeal on March 14, 2025, during the commissioning of a Satellite Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. The laboratory construction was funded by the World Bank under the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Preparedness Project (UCREPP) and executed by Techno Three Limited to improve clinical research and diagnostic services at the hospital.

“Today, we are commissioning this laboratory, and I am appealing to you to do an early test, not waiting until someone falls ill and later resorting to self-medication. Go to the health facility so that the exact disease is known and get early treatment based on the result from the test,” Dr Aceng said.

She noted that Lira Regional Referral Hospital has got a reliable oxygen plant unlike before where the Hospital has been relying on oxygen supplies from National Medical Stores (NMS) in Kampala.

“With this new oxygen plant, we expect to put an end to challenges in providing life support. It will produce thousands of cylinders per day, supplying not only Lira Regional Referral Hospital but also lower health centres,” she added, calling on health workers to adopt a good attitude towards their work so that quality care is provided to patients.

Speaking at the same event, Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, urged residents to trust government health facilities, emphasizing that the establishment of the satellite laboratory was a result of effective leadership in the region, spearheaded by Dr. Aceng.

She also noted that Lira University will now utilize the facility for research, eliminating the need to send samples to Kampala.

“The machines in this lab can test for cancer, detect various viruses and bacteria, and determine the most effective treatment for a patient. This laboratory will significantly cut down costs by eliminating the need for travel to Kampala for advanced tests. Even academic researchers at Lira University can now conduct their studies here,” Atwine said.

She further commended the management of Lira Regional Referral Hospital for their people-centered approach, which has helped improve service delivery, restore public confidence, and bridge gaps in the healthcare sector.

On the recent budget cuts from donors, Atwine reassured the public that the government remains committed to funding healthcare services, urging officials to efficiently utilize resources and integrate services to mitigate gaps.

Laboratory to Process Hundreds of Tests Per Hour

According to Otim Samuel, a laboratory technician and head of the chemistry section, the new satellite laboratory has the capacity to process 500 tests per hour using the COBAS c311 machine and 300 tests per hour with the COBAS e411 machine.

This increase in efficiency is expected to reduce congestion and decrease reliance on Mulago National Hospital.

Dr. Andrew Odur, Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, described the new satellite laboratory as a game-changer that will significantly improve diagnostic capabilities in the region.

“Currently, we have laboratory personnel specialized in different fields. The addition of this facility will enhance our ability to diagnose medical conditions accurately and tailor treatment plans accordingly,” Dr. Odur stated.

Meanwhile, Lira City Resident Commissioner, Lawrence Emmy Egole, credited the successful completion of the satellite laboratory to rigorous monitoring and supervision. “We have been on the ground from groundbreaking to commissioning. I commend the contractor for adhering to our quality standards,” he said.

The new Lira satellite laboratory is expected to improve healthcare delivery in the Lango Sub-region, offering quicker diagnoses, better research opportunities, and enhanced treatment plans.