Uganda's medical tourism sector has generated $26 million in revenue each year, with the majority of patients coming from East African Community countries. According to a report by the Economic Policy Research Center, about 20,000 patients sought care in Uganda in 2024, with 86% receiving services at the Uganda Cancer Institute. The center's research analyst, Philemon Okillong, said the finding was not surprising given the institute's designation as the region's tertiary center of excellence for oncology training and care.
The Uganda Cancer Institute has been attracting patients from neighboring countries, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2024, 53% of foreign patients at the institute were from South Sudan, while 25% were from the DRC. Okillong said there has been an increase in the number of foreign patients seeking care in Uganda, which was also observed during the recent Ebola outbreak. Fifteen of the 20 confirmed cases in Uganda were from the DRC.
Despite the growth in medical tourism, experts say Uganda can do better by improving its infrastructure and services. Dr. Nixon Niyonzima, Director of Research and Training at the Uganda Cancer Institute, said the rise in numbers has not necessarily come with a matching increase in foreign exchange from medical tourism. He attributed this to the quality of patients coming to the institute, who are not the type that would spend much.
To attract high-quality patients and earn reasonable foreign exchange, Uganda needs to invest in infrastructure and human resources. Niyonzima cited the shortage of radiotherapy machines, with only six machines available, leaving a gap of about 40 machines. He also highlighted the need for more cancer specialists, with only 55 to 60 specialists handling over 100 types of cancer.
The government has been working to decongest the national facility at Mulago Hill by setting up regional cancer centers. However, Niyonzima said the country remains constrained when it comes to human resources. He emphasized the need for Uganda to invest in hiring high-quality human resources to attract high-quality patients.
Brenda Kabasinguzi, Manager of Export Marketing Services at the Uganda Free Zones and Exports Promotion Authority, said Uganda needs to do more marketing to appeal to international patients. She emphasized the need for the country to learn how to market its medical services to international markets, as possession of a resource alone does not automatically translate to gain.
For now, the Uganda Cancer Institute's priority is ensuring that regional cancer centers are operational and Ugandans are accessing care timely. While medical tourism is not their priority yet, experts say the country has the potential to earn more from medical tourism by improving its infrastructure and services. The institute's efforts to provide top-notch medical care will be crucial in attracting more foreign patients.
Key points
- Uganda earns $26 million annually from medical tourism, mainly from East African Community countries.
- The country needs to improve infrastructure and services to attract high-quality patients and earn reasonable foreign exchange.
- Uganda has the potential to earn more from medical tourism by improving its infrastructure and services.
