The Uganda Prisons Service received a major boost to its healthcare system with the donation of a modern Digital X-Ray (DXR CAD) machine at Luzira Staff Health Facility. The Ministry of Health handed over the equipment in a ceremony attended by Ms. Stella Nabunya, Commissioner of Prisons (Health Services) who represented the Commissioner General of Prisons. This new, portable X-ray machine, supported by trained prison staff, will improve healthcare for inmates and staff across the country by making it easier to diagnose and treat illnesses.
The DXR CAD machine, donated through the Ministry of Health’s National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) with help from the United States Government, is part of a project that provided 48 portable X-ray machines to improve screening for tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases. This mobile machine, based at Luzira, will serve not only the prison but also other prisons and nearby communities, making healthcare more accessible.
The X-ray machine is a big step forward for healthcare in Uganda’s prisons, where it’s often hard to get quick and accurate medical care. Because it’s portable and operated by trained prison staff, it can be used in many places, helping both inmates and staff across the country.
The DXR CAD machine takes clear images, helping doctors spot health problems like TB or lung issues accurately. This means fewer mistakes and faster treatment. 2. **Healthcare on the Move**: The machine can be moved to different prisons, so even those in far-off areas can get X-ray services without traveling to distant hospitals.
The machine is perfect for finding TB early, especially in high-risk groups like prisoners or people with HIV. Trained prison staff can use it to screen people quickly and start treatment sooner. The machine makes it quicker for doctors to check and treat patients, reducing waiting times and helping prison healthcare staff work more efficiently. Two workers from Luzira—a radiographer and a clinician—have been trained to use the machine. More staff will learn through training sessions, ensuring the machine is used well in many prisons.
Ms. Stella Nabunya thanked the Ministry of Health and NTLP for the donation, saying it will greatly improve healthcare in prisons. “This machine will help us take better care of inmates and staff, not just at Luzira but across Uganda,” she said. The event was attended by key figures like Dr. Kisambu, Assistant Commissioner of Health Services; Mr. Xavier Elubu, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons; Mr. Thomas Apila, Officer In Charge of Luzira Staff Hospital; Dr. Jingo, Medical Superintendent; and NTLP representatives Dr. Joshua Muhumuza, Dr. Kaggwa Charles, and Dr. Jjingo Erisa Mukisa.
With proper planning and documentation, it can be used for TB screening in prisons and nearby communities, especially in areas with high TB cases. The Ministry of Health has set clear guidelines, including following safety rules from the Atomic Energy Council and maintaining the machine properly to ensure it lasts. By focusing on high-risk groups and using trained prison staff, the Uganda Prisons Service can catch health problems early and treat them effectively. This will make a big difference in the health of inmates and staff across the country.