Muni University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Arua Regional Referral Hospital, has launched a histopathology laboratory at Arua Regional Referral Hospital in Arua City, marking a major milestone in cancer diagnosis and healthcare delivery in the West Nile sub-region.
The laboratory, established through the university's Faculty of Health Sciences, is expected to strengthen cancer diagnosis, promote early detection and facilitate timely treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Robert Kajobe, Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Muni University, who represented Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Simon Anguma Katrini, said the facility is the first of its kind in West Nile and will help ease the burden faced by cancer patients.
The laboratory was officially launched by Dr Susan Nabadda, the Ministry of Health Commissioner in charge of National Health Laboratories and Diagnostic Services.
Meanwhile, Arua Regional Referral Hospital Director Dr Gilbert Aniku said the new facility will significantly reduce the time patients wait for laboratory results.
He explained that previously, some samples had to be transported to Kampala for testing, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. With the laboratory now operational, patients will be able to access these services closer to home.
The establishment of the facility is expected to improve access to specialised diagnostic services in West Nile, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of cancer-related tests.
Joseph Omagor and Robinson Okwera |NBS West Nile
