By: Melanie Aanyu

The construction of a paediatric neurosurgery intensive care unit  (ICU) at Cure Children’s Hospital in Mbale City has helped to improve access to healthcare for children with neurological conditions in the country.

Speaking at the commissioning of the facility at the weekend, the hospital medical director, Dr Emmanuel Wegoye, said since the new unit became operational, the annual surgeries have increased to at least 2,000 from about 1,500.

The hospital conducts surgical procedures annually on children with conditions such as Hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida and brain tumours among others.

 Mr Tim Erickson, the hospital director, said the completion of the 18-bed ICU building means they have more space for patients.

Dr Diana Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, who commissioned the unit, said government will earmark some funds in the next financial year to support the hospital.