East African governments lose $149.9 million annually in seeking medical treatment for non-communicable diseases abroad, the East African Community (EAC) secretary-general has said.

Dr Richard Sezibera observed that the high cost incurred by Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi should be reduced through investment in a highly skilled health workforce in biomedical sciences.

The EAC secretary general made the remarks during the opening of the 5th annual East African Health and Scientific Conference and International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair in Kampala Wednesday.

Dr Sezibera disclosed that the EAC partner states, with financial support from the African Development Bank, are in the process of establishing regional hospitals.

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He said the centres of excellence to deal with nephrology and urology would be located in Kenya, for oncology in Uganda, cardiovascular in Tanzania, while biomedical engineering and eHealth in Rwanda.

The first phase of the project, which will emphasise boosting specialised medical personnel in the different fields, is estimated to cost approximately $72.6 million, Dr Sezibera added.

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According to Dr Asuman Lukwago, Uganda’s permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, the centres of excellence will foster a feeling of togetherness within the region in addition to stopping people from travelling out of the EAC to seek medical attention (medical tourism).

“All countries in the EAC borrowed money to create centres of excellence in the region. A survey was carried out and it was found that Uganda was good at cancer treatment, Kenya at kidney transplants, Tanzania at heart surgeries, Burundi at research and Rwanda at biomedical engineering and eHealth,” Dr Lukwago said.

He emphasised that the centres for training and service delivery will be set up in the different member countries depending on their specialisation.

Dr Lukwago explained that the new plan would reduce the increased rate at which medical treatment is sought overseas, especially in India and the United Kingdom.

He added that Uganda’s current cancer institute will be boosted and expanded to deliver cancer care within the region.