Addressing the Healthcare Crisis: The Dire Need for Doctors in Uganda

• Uganda has been facing a significant healthcare crisis due to a shortage of doctors.
• Lack of access of medical care in remote areas has led to significant consequences for the population.
• Integration of social impact to provide quality education in medicine can improve access to healthcare services.

Quality and accessible healthcare is a basic necessity for every person. Among the essential components that make up a good healthcare system are trained health professionals.

Fund A Future Doctor In Uganda

I am Kauthar Wangi, a second-year medical student enrolled at Kampala International University, a privately owned university located in Uganda. There has been a deprivation of health professionals in my country which has been exceedingly contributing to the healthcare crisis in Uganda.

Currently there is one doctor for every 33,000 patients in Uganda and the ratio is higher in some areas. This condition is in stark contrast to World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor to a 1000 patients.

The sight of the deplorable state of health facilities in Uganda, as depicted in books and news, deeply moves me to tears. Although I have volunteered at a health center on several occasions, certain experiences have left an indelible mark on me. I have observed firsthand instances where patients are admitted to the hospital, but due to the limited number of healthcare professionals available, they must wait for hours before receiving treatment.

Consequences of Doctor Scarcity in Uganda’s Remote Areas: A Personal Experience 

The scarcity of doctors has led to so many precious lives have being lost. The patients go to health centers facing a variety of conditions, ranging from  mild to critical. Nevertheless, because of the lack attention, these conditions escalate and eventually become fatal. This mostly happens in the remote areas of Uganda.

It has hence become the norm to transport patients with critical conditions over 300 kilometers, just to get them to the capital. This is where the best healthcare is available. In the stress of transportation during their medical condition, some patients do not make it alive.

This dire state hit close to home when my late sister unfortunately succumbed to COVID-19 in 2021. She had to be rushed to Kampala. The lack of professional doctors in the district where she had been admitted resulted in her going through an emergency c-section. This was conducted as she was on a ventilator for a long time and her condition was not improving.

It is equally disheartening for other Ugandans that have been through or will go through what my family and I went through. My pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery is a direct passionate venture taken to address the healthcare crisis in Uganda.

Integrating Social Impact and Medicine

I have been passionate about helping people in my community and I started a campaign earlier in 2021. ‘SaveGirl Uganda’ campaign was to provide mentorship and menstrual hygiene products to young women in the rural areas of Uganda. In light of the present conditions of the country, particularly in the realm of healthcare, I am convinced that there are numerous ways to offer assistance, and even the smallest efforts like mine can have a meaningful impact.

A significant challenge I face in my course of study is financial constraint. As in any other country, medical school is an expensive pursuit. A medical course in Uganda, for example, is the most expensive course available in the country.

With the capsizing economy, the total cost to put a medical student through college just increases. The expenses are crippling for the student and their families. Even with a collective contribution from the family, some of the expenses are inevitably left pending.

The financial expenses include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Scholastic Necessities
• Food

This demand has made students look to a way to earn money. A number of young people work part-time jobs on top of strenuous medical schooling. However, medical school and doing a part-time job share a mutually beneficial relationship.

Future Prospects of a Young Dreamer

There is so much that needs to change and improve for the young citizens of Uganda. I am and will be a voice for the voiceless. I believe in advocacy and action for revolutionary change through my involvement in organizations like Girl Power USA. Slowly, with more aware citizens and proactive organizations, we will change the narrative in Uganda. 

With Girl Power USA, I have been able to host mentorship sessions and conferences that empower young women and men in rural areas of Uganda. I am very appreciative of such an opportunity of being able to learn and give back to society at the same time. Knowledge is priceless and it is the best gift, help, or form of guidance given to someone.

There is so much in the medical field that intrigues me and I am very glad that I have been getting answers and explanations to some of the questions that I have always had. I am looking forward to learning more.

I am a DREAMER and a DOER, and I do not believe in giving up. Despite the challenges I have been through, I persevere. With your donation, I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor and make a positive impact  in my community in so many areas.

Donate now and contribute to making my dream a reality.

“Vision without action is just a dream, action without vision just passes the time, and vision with action can change the world.” 

– Nelson Mandela