Expanding Specialized Care in Uganda: An Interview with Dr. Chirag Kotecha of UMC Victoria Hospital

In this interview, we are honored to speak with Dr. Chirag Kotecha, a distinguished leader in Uganda’s healthcare landscape and a driving force behind the remarkable transformation at UMC Victoria Hospital. Over recent years, this institution has undergone significant advancements, expanding its spectrum of medical services and making cutting-edge treatments more accessible to a wider population. The hospital has invested in top-tier diagnostic technology, including advanced MRI and CT imaging, and established specialized departments such as ophthalmology, fertility services, and minimally invasive surgeries, positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation in the region. In this conversation, Dr. Kotecha provides valuable insights into how these developments have not only reduced the need for Ugandans to seek advanced medical care abroad but also attracted skilled international medical talent to the country. He will share how UMC Victoria Hospital is meeting the growing demand for specialized healthcare services both within Uganda and across neighboring regions.

We will also dive into the hospital’s plans for expansion, the incorporation of cutting-edge medical technologies, and the hospital’s ongoing efforts to recruit and train healthcare professionals. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of UMC Victoria Hospital under Dr. Kotecha’s leadership and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes that come with leading one of Uganda’s most prestigious medical institutions.

“We are one of the only United Nations accredited facilities in Uganda, and we have partnerships with the UN, including Monusco, the peacekeeping services. These are more governmental and parastatal services that we collaborate with, largely due to our reputation and quality of service. A lot of our growth comes from word of mouth, especially from patients returning to South Sudan who recommend our services.

We haven’t made much progress with patients from Congo or Rwanda. Right now, our main focus is on South Sudan and within Uganda itself. We are expanding our network and planning to open clinics in other cities, starting with Entebbe, which is the gateway to Uganda and where the airport and UN bases are located. We used to have a clinic there before COVID, but we closed it down. Now, we are considering setting up a small 15-bed hospital or clinic offering general care, daycare, and inpatient services.

Rather than expanding regionally at the moment, we are focusing on becoming a forefront of healthcare within Uganda” says Dr. Chirag