Permanent Secretary MOH meets Supreme Mufti for healthcare partnerships

13 August 2024, 4:49 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, has visited the office of the Supreme Mufti and Kibuli Muslim Hospital to discuss partnerships on health concerns. She was welcomed by the Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi. Dr Diana Atwine praised the Muslim community for their contributions to healthcare, particularly in establishing a hospital with essential facilities such as cancer treatment, MRI, radiotherapy, and X-rays.

“You have helped reduce congestion in our facilities and the number of Ugandans seeking health services abroad,” she said. The Ministry of Health delegation, including Dr Stavia Tubyahabwe, Dr Jimmy Opigo, Dr Hasfa Lukwata, who is in charge of mental health, Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, and Dr Hafsa Lukwata, met with the Supreme Mufti’s team.

This team was led by Sheikh Twaah Mubiru Kezaala, Secretary General of the Office of the Supreme Mufti, Dr Muhammad Kigundi, Communications Officer, Dr Mahmoud El-Gazar, Chief Executive Officer of Kibuli Muslim Hospital, and other officials.

H.E. Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, the Supreme Mufti of Uganda, requested that the Ministry enrol specialists at Kibuli Muslim Hospital and partner for health camps. He also expressed concern about unregulated foods and drinks contributing to non-communicable diseases.

The Secretary General, Sheikh Twaah Mubiru Kezaala, requested the Permanent Secretary to register their small Muslim health facilities. “We have small health facilities in all corners of this country that serve our people. We request that they be registered and upgraded to improve the quality of healthcare services,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the Kampala Metropolitan area has high rates of child unvaccination, teenage pregnancy, and maternal deaths. She called for collaboration to address these issues, citing statistics that show neonatal conditions, pneumonia, hypertension, and diabetes as leading causes of death in Uganda. Dr Atwine also expressed concern about mental illness among young people, which can lead to addictions, and asked the Mufti to raise awareness about its effects.

In conclusion, the Office of the Supreme Mufti and the Ministry of Health agreed to continue their partnership for the benefit of public health. They committed to working together to address the health challenges facing the country and to improve the quality of healthcare services in Uganda.