Mulago National Referral Hospital, in partnership with the Arthritis Association of Uganda, has held a free medical camp that benefited 500 patients as part of activities to mark World Arthritis Day.
The one-day camp, held in Kampala on Thursday, offered free specialist consultations, medication, rheumatoid factor tests, physiotherapy, imaging services, psychological support and health education to help patients manage arthritis and improve their quality of life.
Speaking at the event, Mulago Hospital Executive Director Dr Rosemary Byanyima urged the government to equip regional referral hospitals with specialised rheumatology services to improve access to treatment across the country.
“We appeal to the Government to equip regional referral hospitals with specialised rheumatology services so that patients can access care closer to their homes,” Byanyima said.
She said expanding rheumatology services to regional facilities would reduce pressure on Mulago and enable patients to receive specialised care without travelling long distances to Kampala.
Mulago is Uganda’s only nationally recognised facility providing dedicated rheumatology services. Its rheumatology clinic operates every Thursday, treating between 50 and 80 patients a week.
The medical camp was organised partly to ease the growing patient backlog at the clinic and extend essential services to more people living with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
The hospital commended the Arthritis Association of Uganda for mobilising resources and medical expertise to support the initiative. Mulago’s radiology, pharmacy and laboratory teams were also recognised for their role in delivering the free services.
“The support of the Arthritis Association of Uganda and our hospital teams has been instrumental in making these free services available to the patients who need them,” the hospital said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to raise awareness about arthritis, improve access to specialised treatment and strengthen the management of rheumatic conditions in Uganda.
Health experts emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and continued patient support in managing arthritis and reducing its impact on daily activities and quality of life.