Ministry of Health Inaugurates Satellite Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital
14th Mar 2025 - Lira City Uganda The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, officially inaugurated the newly constructed Satellite Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital to strengthen laboratory services in the region.
Dr. Aceng was accompanied by key officials from the Ministry of Health, including Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, Commissioner for Health Infrastructure Eng. George Otim, UCREPP Project Coordinator Dr. Michael Mwanga, and representatives from the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) including Dr. Carol Achola, Chris Okira and Dr.Patricia Akello.
The establishment of this state-of-the-art laboratory is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve healthcare delivery in Northern Uganda. With advanced equipment and modern infrastructure, the facility will provide high-quality diagnostic services, ensuring timely and accurate medical testing for patients in the region.
Constructed at a cost of UGX 4.5 billion, the laboratory has been fully funded by the World Bank through the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Emergency Preparedness Project (UCREPP). The investment aims to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response, and overall healthcare resilience in the country.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Aceng emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding laboratory services and improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly in regional hospitals. She noted that access to reliable laboratory services is critical for accurate disease diagnosis, treatment, and control.
“We should save a section for a biosafety Laboratory level III so that if we have an outbreak of dangerous pathogens, we don’t have to take samples far away, they can be tested here. I encourage people to utilise this infrastructure and the laboratory to ensure they are healthy. Screen early and do not come only when you are sick,” Dr. Aceng urged the community.
The Lira Regional Referral Hospital Satellite Laboratory will serve as a vital hub for enhanced medical testing, research, and training, benefitting both healthcare professionals and patients covering Lango, Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub regions.
The facility will be under the stewardship and supervision of the MoH Department of National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, NHLDS.
