Uganda has reached a major milestone in specialized healthcare, with the successful discharge of its first bone marrow transplant patient at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
The Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, hailed the achievement as a turning point in the country’s medical history as she witnessed the discharge of Sande Stephen, just 22 days after undergoing the life-saving procedure.
“This marks the beginning of a new era in Uganda’s healthcare,” Aceng said. “For a long time, such treatment meant traveling abroad at a high cost, but today it is being done here at home by Ugandans.”
She noted that the procedure, which can cost more than $30,000 abroad, has been successfully carried out locally at about $15,000, fully funded by the government. This, she said, significantly eases the financial burden on patients while reducing the need for overseas referrals.
The minister emphasized the importance of sustained investment in specialized healthcare services to ensure that such breakthroughs are not only maintained but expanded to benefit more Ugandans.
Stephen, who was treated for multiple myeloma, expressed gratitude to the government and the medical team for their support throughout his treatment journey.
He described the experience as challenging but said his decision to trust the doctors and adhere to medical guidance played a crucial role in his recovery.
“I trusted the doctors, and today I am going home stronger,” he said, urging Ugandans to have confidence in local medical expertise and seek treatment within the country.
The Executive Director of the institute, Jackson Orem, described the development as a significant but carefully managed clinical milestone.
“This has been a long and delicate process, but it demonstrates that we now have the capacity to carry out highly specialized procedures here in Uganda,” Orem said.
He added that the achievement marks only the beginning, with plans underway to strengthen the transplant programme and expand access to advanced cancer care services.
The government is also rolling out regional cancer centres across the country to bring treatment closer to patients, in line with broader efforts to strengthen Uganda’s health system.
Experts say the breakthrough not only improves cancer treatment outcomes but also opens new possibilities for managing other conditions through transplant and cellular therapies.
“This is not just about one patient,” Aceng said. “It is about restoring hope and building confidence in Uganda’s healthcare system.”
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