International Hospital Kampala is launching a charity ward, which will be known as ‘Hope Ward’. The capital costs of this ward have been met by International hospital and some private donors and the operational costs will be met through companies and individuals sponsoring beds.
The type of patients, which will be treated, will be those who have complex conditions for which they might not otherwise access treatment. Victims of the war in the north, who require plastic surgery, those with tumors, children with HIV who need hospitalization, abandoned babies, women with bladder fistulae due to birth injuries and victims of road traffic accidents will be able to access treatment at ‘Hope Ward’.
Dr. Clarke said that, ‘since IHK already has good facilities, such as accidents and emergency theatres, intensive care unit, plus a plastic surgeon on staff, they should be used for the good of the community and not just those who could pay.’
The cost of a bed per day works out at Ush.75, 000 and if a company sponsors a bed for a complete year, it comes to $15,000. If a company sponsors a bed, it becomes their bed, with a plaque above the bed acknowledging the sponsorship. They will also get positive publicity for their good corporate social responsibility. Surgeons at the hospital have already volunteered to offer their services at a subsidized rate.
The preparation of the ward is in its final stages and it is hoped that it will be operational by May/June. A reception is planned at Cineplex on April 27th, when a short documentary will be shown about the ward, highlighting some of the cases, which have already been treated. When the ward is operational, further documentaries will be made following some of the people who have been treated.
The core value of International hospital is to make a difference to healthcare in Uganda and Dr. Clarke is sure this can be done by joining hands with other companies to make these services available to the most needy in our society.
Thank you,
Patricia Tino
Sponsorship Coordinator,
Hope Ward
