Uganda Healthcare Federation- Board meeting HIPS Boardroom Coppice Road, Kololo Friday, 2nd November, 2012 2:00pm-6:00pm Agenda 1:45pm-02:00pm Arrival and Registration Ms. Angellah Nakyanzi 2:00pm-2:10pm Welcome remarks, introductions and apologies Ms. Joanita Lwanga 2:10pm-2:20pm Review and confirmation of previous minutes Dr. Ian Clarke 2:20pm-2:40pm Chairman’s remarks Dr. Ian Clarke 2:40pm-3:30pm UHF Strategic Planning Session held in Nairobi Dr. Ian Clarke/ Ms. Joanita Lwanga 3:40pm-4:00pm Tea Break ………. 4:00pm-4:30pm Hub committee appointment exercise Dr. Ian Clarke/ Ms. Joanita Lwanga/ Ms. Angellah Nakyanzi 4:30pm-4:45pm Update on Arusha trip Dr. Ian Clarke/ Ms. Joanita Lwanga/Mr. Ramesh Babu/ Dr. Ben Kiwanuka 4:45pm-5:10pm Follow up on AGM board nominations/ Confirmations and board member reviews Dr. Ian Clarke 5:10pm-5:35pm Reactions Discussion led by Dr. Ian Clarke 5:35pm-5:55pm A.O.B ………… 5:55pm-6:00pm Closing Prayer ……………

Marburg Outbreak: All Kabale health centers to screen. Dr. Patrick Tusiime (left) Kabale District Director of Health Services, said on Tuesday that they have decided to extend the screening to all the health centers in the district since many people are believed to have had contact with victims. Health workers in Kabale District have launched Marburg screening at all health centers in the district as more cases of the deadly virus rise. This comes as number of people receiving treatment at an isolation unit at Rushoroza Health Center increased from two to five, while those under monitoring have increased to 120 from 36. Dr. Patrick Tusiime, Kabale District Director of Health Services, said on Tuesday that they have decided to extend the screening to all the health centers in the district since many people are believed to have had contact with victims. He said the screening would be done on a daily basis to help them intervene quickly. Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Mathew Elayo says the move by authorities to keep patients away from their relatives is aimed at checking the spread of the disease and asked locals to cooperate and wipe out the disease. Marburg is a highly contagious disease that kills in a short time but can easily be prevented. The disease which is caused by a virus spreads through direct contact with wounds, body fluids like blood, saliva, stool and urine of an infected person.

Standards and Regulations Update. The S&R team is still holding its stakeholders meeting but a consultative meeting will be held to solicit for everyone stakeholder's input. Please check out this site/ blog regularly for this communication. Thanks. Regards, UHF Team

UHF BIMONTHLY MEETING

UHF BIMONTHLY MEETING WHEN: FRIDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2012 WHERE: HIPS BOARDROOM Please see agenda below; Agenda for the UHF bimonthly Meeting Venue: HIPS Boardroom Date: Friday 14th September 2012 Time: 2:30-4:30 pm 1. Welcome remarks, Introductions and Apologies 2. Adoption of agenda 3. Review and confirmation of previous minutes 4. Chairman’s remarks 5. IFC Presentation – Dr. Bernard Olayo and Mr. James M Okongo 6. Update from IRA –Dr Patrick Luwaga 7. Standards and regulations review- Dr. Joel Okullo and Dr. Sarah Byakika 8. Update on PPPH Policy- Dr. Timothy Musila 9. Discussion on draft of Uganda Health Professions Authority Act – Dr. Ben Kiwanuka/Dr. Katie BA 10. EAHFC report printing and production Joanita Lwanga and Angellah Nakyanzi 11. UHF Strategic plan Dr. Ian Clarke and Joanita Lwanga 12. UHF Directory – Mrs. Victoria N H Kiryabwire 13. Matters arising 14. A.O.B Please come with a colleague. Thank you and see you there

Standards and Regulations Stakeholders' meeting The standards and regulations for the private health sector pilot project is on-going and a stakeholders meeting is slated for Thursday 16th August 2012 at HIPS offices, Plot 6 Coppice Road, Lower Kololo at 2:30 pm. All private practitioners, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical owners are urged to attend. please contact us at uhfadministrator@ugandahips.com Thanks,

EBOLA OUTBREAK

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in Uganda On Saturday 28th July 2012 the Ministry of Health has confirmed that there is an outbreak of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in Kibaale district, Midwestern Uganda. Laboratory investigations done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe confirmed that the “Strange Disease” reported in Kibaale was indeed Ebola hemorrhagic fever. So far a total of 20 cases with 14 deaths have been recorded. The index case was in Kibaale district. The latest news confirms that 2 cases have been reported in Kampala with one death occurring in hospital. I would like to disseminate this general information on the disease and implications for the general public. Transmission • The Ebola virus is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected persons. • Burial ceremonies where mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can play a significant role in the transmission of Ebola. • The infection of human cases with Ebola virus through the handling of infected animals especially primates has been documented. • Health care workers have frequently been infected while treating Ebola patients, through close contact without correct infection control precautions and adequate barrier nursing procedures. Incubation period: 2 to 21 days. Symptoms Ebola is characterized by: • Initially; sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. • This is then by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. • Laboratory findings show low counts of white blood cells and platelets as well as elevated liver enzymes. Diagnosis Specialized laboratory tests on blood specimens detect specific antigens and/or genes of the virus. Antibodies to the virus can be detected, and the virus can be isolated in cell culture. Tests on samples present an extreme biohazard risk and should only be conducted under maximum biological containment conditions. Testing is available at CDC lab in Entebbe. Treatment and vaccine • No specific treatment or vaccine is yet available for Ebola haemorrhagic fever. Containment • Suspected cases should be isolated from other patients and strict barrier nursing techniques implemented. • Tracing and follow up of people who may have been exposed to Ebola through close contact with patients are essential. • All hospital staff should be briefed on the nature of the disease and its transmission routes. Particular emphasis should be placed on ensuring that invasive procedures such as the placing of intravenous lines and the handling of blood, secretions, catheters and suction devices are carried out under strict barrier nursing conditions. Hospital staff should have individual gowns, gloves, masks and goggles. Non-disposable protective equipment must not be reused unless they have been properly disinfected. • Infection may also spread through contact with the soiled clothing or bed linens from a patient with Ebola. Disinfection is therefore required before handling these items. • Communities affected by Ebola should make efforts to ensure that the population is well informed, both about the nature of the disease itself and about necessary outbreak containment measures, including burial of the deceased. People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried. Contacts • As the primary mode of person-to-person transmission is contact with contaminated blood, secretions or body fluids, people who have had close physical contact with patients should be kept under strict surveillance. Their body temperature should be checked twice a day, with immediate hospitalization and strict isolation in case of the onset of fever. • Hospital staffs that come into close contact with patients or contaminated materials without barrier nursing attire must be considered as contacts and followed up accordingly. Recommendations Avoid travelling to affected areas. Use private means as far as possible; if not, avoid the crowded ones have on long sleeved clothing. Keep away from crowded areas or public gatherings such as markets, the park, discotheques etc. Avoid touching inanimate surfaces; keep your hands to yourself! Eat out only from trusted places • Carry hand sanitizers, wash/sanitize stuff from supermarkets • Report all suspected cases especially individuals who have travelled to affected areas • Beware that travelling out of Uganda at the moment might cause you embarrassment at some strict airports although no travel ban has been made yet.

Private Sector Health Common Fund (PSHCF) Charity Golf Tournament

The PSHCF has organized a charity golf tournament to fund raise for its activities a bid to improve the private health sector this Friday 20th of June 2012. Please endeavour to attend. Lots of fun and high end contacts in the Private sector. See you there

Standards and Regulations Pilot Project

UHF/HIPS working on the pilot study with Dr. Joel Okullo as the consultant. We are committed to improving the private healthcare sector in all spheres. Regards,

3RD BOARD MEETING/ UHF STREAMLINING MEETING 21ST JUNE 2012- PROTEA HOTEL- 2:00-5:00 pm AGENDA 1. Welcome, introductions and apologies 2. Review and confirmation of previous minutes 3. Chairman’s remarks 4. Standards and Regulations Pilot Project Presentation - Dr. Joel Okullo 5. Development Credit Authority-USAID- Dr. Dithan Kiragga/ Ms. Diana Konga 6. Advertising- Dr. Katumba Ssentongo, Registrar 7. Progress of PPPH- Dr. Timothy Musila 8. Regulation of Medical Insurance Facility Based Health Plan Providers- Dr. Patrick Luwaga 9. Foundation of the Private Sector Health Common Fund(PSHCF)- Dr. Ian Clarke /Ms. Joanita Lwanga 10. East African Healthcare Federation Conference draft report- Dr. Ian Clarke 11. Report from the Tanzania conference- Ms. Joanita Lwanga 12. Progress on registration of EAHF – Dr. Ian Clarke 13. Implications for the health sector from 2012-2013 budget- Dr. Ian Clarke/ Dr. Ben Mbonye 14. A.O.B

UHF BOARDMEETING/MAINSTREAMING MEETING

Dear Members, UHF will hold their quarterly meeting on Thursday, 21st June 2012, the place and agenda will be communicated later. Please reserve that date on your calendars. Thank you and will keep you updated. Regards, Angellah

Happy Women's Day?

MPs challenge sh75b loan for women hospital at Mulago

By Henry Sekanjako

The Parliament's committee on national economy has rejected a proposal to borrow $30.28m (sh75.7b) for financing the construction of a specialized women hospital for maternal and neonatal health care at Mulago hospital.

The proposed loan is to be secured from the Islamic Development Bank.

The women hospital project valued at sh75.7b, is expected to be operational by 2017 to reduce the number of in-hospital maternity and neonatal deaths by 25%.

Speaking during a meeting with ministry of health officials on Thursday at Parliament, the lawmakers argued that government needed to extend maternal health services to regional referral hospitals and not only Mulago hospital.

The MPs also contended that Parliament had just approved money for the rehabilitation of Mulago hospital and suggested that the money instead be used to expand regional referral hospitals to decongest Mulago.

"The women of this country need to benefit but this issue of putting everything at Mulago should stop and extend health services to other parts of the country where the poor cannot afford private medical care. Why not consider areas like Jinja, Gulu where women are most affected," said Steven Bakka (Bukhooli).

Moses Balyeku (Jinja Municipality west) said: "I am not going to be part of this loan; I will decampaign it. We have done enough for Mulago hospital and so it's time for other hospitals to benefit also. We passed a loan for the rehabilitation of Mulago, why didn't you budget for this as well".

"Majority of the poor women are in rural areas where there are little structures so government should consider extending such services to rural areas for the poor people to benefit," added Mariam Nalubega (Butambala).

‘Split the money’

The committee chaired by Bulisa County MP Steven Mukitaale proposed that government considers splitting the money to benefit all regional referral hospitals country wide.

"This money should be split to cover the whole country and not only Mulago. How do you expect pregnant women to travel all the way from Gulu to Mulago in Kampala?” noted Julius Maganda (Samia Bugwe south).

However Dr. Henry Mwebasa, commissioner in charge of quality assurance in Ministry of Health said having the loan split would affect their plan since the borrowers may decide to withdraw.

"We are on course of upgrading all other regional referral hospitals but there is no way we can have this loan split. We beg that you help us reconsider your position and endorse this money," Mwebasa pleaded before the committee.

The committee asked the Ministry of Health to go back on the drawing board and include other regional referral hospitals ahead of the final meeting with the parliament's committee on social services next week.

February Forum for the Private non-state Health Sector 'Association of Associations'

Purpose: Through the Ministry of Health, HIPS (Health Initiatives in the Private Sector) and The International Finance Corporation,  this forum intends to organize, harness and advocate for a workable coordination mechanism of all private non-state health sector players in the market, enabling them to talk as one entity for purposes of advocacy, financial mobilization, regulation, qualities and standards in their field.  It is the strong belief that under one umbrella organization in this sector, a stronger more coherent, efficient and professional sector will develop, enhancing and boosting the health sector not only in Uganda, but the East African Region as a whole.

When: Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Time: Registration starts 8:00 am- Ends 1:00 pm tea and coffee served on arrival

Where: Protea Hotel Acacia Avenue

Guest speakers: From Kenya, Tanzania and Ministry of Health

Do not miss the opportunity to join one of the fastest growing organisations in the health sector. Be a part of the change you would like to see in this world, associate, federate and evolve the health sector in Uganda. 

A must attend event for anyone with vested interests and investment in the private non-state health sector.

UHF to host East Africa Healthcare Conference in Kampala

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that UHF (Uganda Healthcare Federation) will be hosting the East Africa Healthcare Conference in Uganda Kampala on the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd of May 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. This is a brief email kindly requesting you to secure these dates in your diary. It promises to be a highly interactive, innovative and eye opening conference targeted at the private health sector in the East African region. A number of influential individuals and funding organizations have already committed their presence at the event, hence an even added opportunity to network.

The 1^st of May will be an evening event with UHF holding it’s AGM followed by a dinner/cocktail session and networking opportunity. This ideally will give our partners from all the East African countries the chance to travel in good time and be well prepared for the 2 day conference. Detailed information and opportunities not to miss through the three day session, will follow shortly.

   

Please feel free to forward this to any relevant colleagues or partners you believe will benefit from this conference. If you have any queries at all,  please do not hesitate to contact me

PROUDLY UGANDAN CAMPAIGN: "BACK TO SCHOOL EXHIBITION"

Greetings to all UHF members. Today is our chairman Dr. Ian Clarke's birthday, so happy birthday Dr. Ian on behalf of all UHF members, we wish you many more happy returns and galvanised energy to take our work forward! As UHF members you all know we strongly benefit from our partnership with PSFU (Private Sector Foundation Uganda). It is for this reason I draw your attention to an exhibition dubbed 'Back to School Exhibition'. If you're all into making that shilling stretch an extra mile, this is the place for you to be whilst looking out for great deals and bargains for your little ones (some not so little) who are going back to school. Above all, Proudly Ugandan is hosting Ugandan made products, so for a bargain whilst at the same time supporting the local industry, you will be a very proud Ugandan by the end of the exhibition. Below are further details.

Dear PSFU Member,

Hope this email finds you fine and business is progressing. This is to invite you to be a part of the Proudly Ugandan Campaign “Back to School Exhibition” organized by PSFU and UMA between the 26^th January 2012 and 29^th January 2012 at the Lugogo Upper show grounds former metro next to nakawa market opposite Total Nakawa,; Basically just above the UMA show grounds.

The Proudly Ugandan Campaign is intended to encourage Ugandans and those non Ugandans resident in Uganda to take pride in the country by giving economic priority to our local manufacturers and service providers to enhance development of the country as well as sustain favorable competition in the local, regional and international markets.

This exhibition has been code named Back to school as it comes around the time when there is need for shopping for all those in school at a one stop show at whole sale prices; however there will also be household items and personal items on sale from different companies.

Don’t also miss a chance to be a part of the Business Seminars which will enhance abilities and also strategies for Business Development being shared by seasoned and experienced business practitioners topics such as; 1. “Business Survival in Uganda During Economic instability and strain”, 2. “Opportunities in local and Regional Markets for Ugandan Products”, 3. “Financing your Business” and “ Business Ethics” and you know what its all free; all free, the cost is your time and physical presence and take advantage of this memorable exhibition; encourage your membership, and also all going back to school students, pupils, parents and teachers to make time and take advantage of all the goodies for the four days.

Official opening will be on the Day 2: 27^th January 2012 by the Hon. Minister of Trade and Industry; for more details about exhibiting and participating Contact Daphne on 0755291035 email: dkavuma@psfuganda.org.ug to book your seat for the Business seminars Contact Henry Clarke on 0782436720 / 0704375304 email: hkisembo@psfuganda.org.ug .

Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit, buy, sale, network, get business knowledge, enjoy the ambiance, music, food, drinks and much more come with  friends and family.

Henry Clarke Kisembo,

Business Development and Training,

Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)

Productive Board Meeting 10th January 2012

Uganda Healthcare Federation successfully held its board meeting at HIPS (Health Initiatives for the Private Sector) with a near full board attendance. With the great support of HIPS/USAID Uganda Healthcare Federation I am pleased to say is moving forward in great strides and aims to accomplish a lot more in this new year.
All board members present were very motivated and enthusiasitic in carrying the momentum forward at its current professional and invigorating rate. Several important issues were discussed including forward working plans, partnerships to be formed and important top level public private sector bodies on which UHF aims to have a direct input. The membership is also slated to grow bigger and wider this year, with various associations around the country realising that UHF is the more structured umbrellla body in the private health sector to be joined. In brief, some of the important issues discussed include:

• A report on PIRT (Presidential Investors' Round Table)
• Update on representation and direct access of UHF members on the PSFU (Private Sector Foundation Uganda) when top level meetings are being held
• Represenation on HPAC (Health Policy Advisorty Committee)
• Enhancing Credit fiannce in the private sector
• Standards, quality and ethics in the private sector-move towards self regulation
• Medical health insurance bill
• East African Federation Conference

Detailed information and minutes of what was discussed will follow this brief. Keep following the UHF to enhance, the quality and build the capacity of not only your private organisation, but the health sector as a whole in Uganda. Thank you to all the board members who attended and made very valuable contributions and to HIPS for organising and supporting UHF in its crucial work.

Enhancing Credit to the Health Sector program (DCA).

Happy New Year UHF members and all prospective members! This year comes with bright prospects for all UHF members please find enclosed further details on how you can enhance the private health sector in Uganda to fully flourish in this year! We will be having many more exciting opportunities, updating you on latest information and services available to all of you out there. Keep checking and following our blog! Happy and prosperous 2012!!!

 

Dear Partners,

 

USAID and the HIPS Project, wish to inform you of a potential new program that your organization may want to take advantage of. In early 2012 the US government anticipates launching the Enhancing Credit to the Health Sector program (DCA).  Through this program, the US Government works with select Ugandan Banks to offer loan products specifically designed for the health sector. 

As many of you may beware, the health sector often has a more difficult time than other sectors receiving loans from banks.  There is a perception among the banking community that healthcare companies are not run like for-profit businesses and therefore will not be able to pay back loans.  The DCA has been designed to work with borrowers (health companies) and lenders (banks) to facilitate more lending to the health sector and to demonstrate that health sector can be an important client for banks.

If you are a healthcare company,( for example a clinic, hospital, pharmaceutical company, or manufacturer of healthcare products) and are interested in taking out a loan to expand your business, let us tell you how we may be able to assist you.

1.    Firstly, HIPS can provide hands- on technical assistance through a “financial check up”.  Our financial specialist will visit you to discuss your interest in taking a loan and perform a “financial diagnostic” to assess your readiness to take a loan, through analyzing your financial statements, including cash flow management and projections.

2.    Secondly, if you are prepared to move forward with seeking a loan, HIPS can help you analyze how a potential loan (and the investment you make with the loan funds) would help you generate additional revenues which can be used to pay back the loan. Additionally we can help you to better understand the risks and obligations of borrowing.

3.    Thirdly, HIPS can facilitate your meeting with the bank and assist you in the application process.

It is important to note that this program does not guarantee lower interest rates or longer repayment terms, as each loan application will be assessed individually and the terms and the conditions will vary.  However, USAID and HIPS will work closely with the both the lenders and borrowers to minimize risk which may at times results in more favorable terms.

If you are interested in this program, please contact Barbara Addy +256 414 347594, or Joanita at admin@uhfug.org.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Barbara Addy