Construction of Shs. 1.9 billion diagnostic facility kicks off in Tororo.

Joint Medical Stores (JMS) in partnership with Tororo Archdiocese is putting  up the first diagnostic facility in Tororo district, a move leaders say will expand access to timely, affordable testing and imaging services.

The 1.9 billion shillings facility is planned to provide expanded laboratory services, digital imaging (X‑ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI), fluoroscopy, endoscopy, pathology, and integrated outpatient diagnostic clinics

 The facility located at St. Anthony Hospital  was officially flagged off today (Friday) by the Archbishop of Tororo, Dr. Emmanuel Obbo, bringing relief to patients, caregivers, and staff who have long grappled with overcrowding, long waits, and fragmented testing services.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Archbishop said the facility will help to reduce the long distances patients travel in search of specialized care.

Dr Obbo challenged medics at the facility to serve with integrity and passion once the facility is complete and becomes operational, adding that the intentions of the facility are centered on healing lives.

According to the hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anthony Okoth, concentrating these services will cut waiting times, speed up diagnoses, and reduce the need for patients to travel between different departments and referral sites.

He says, the hospital is in engagements with willing specialists, including surgeons and pediatricians, to ensure that once the facility is complete and operational its able to provide same-day or rapid-turnaround results for common diagnostics, and to support referral hospitals with more complex testing.

The Resident District Commissioner, Tororo Hajji Sadik Bategana, thanked the Archdiocese for moving ahead to put up such a magnificent facility, which he said will save many people from the costs they undertake to access specialized services in the region.

 He added that quicker access to reliable tests will improve treatment decisions and outcomes, particularly for cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

The construction, according to Dr. Daniel Mark Lutalo, the manager of Biomedical at Joint Medical Stores, is expected to be complete within six months, and it will proceed in phases to allow the hospital to continue serving patients while work is being carried out. 

Dr. Andrew Opete from the office of the District Health Officer emphasized the importance of modern equipment, trained technicians, and efficient patient flow to realize the project’s promise.

Beyond Tororo, the facility is seen as a model for strengthening diagnostic capacity across the entire Eastern region and part of the Western region of Kenya: earlier, accurate diagnosis can lower costs, shorten hospital stays, and save lives. 

The event was also attended by the Chief Administrative Officer, Juliet Ayo, the district engineer, Andrew Asaya, among others.

By Omollo Joseph.