Uganda Healthcare 2026: The State of the System & Why Patients Travel to India

Uganda’s healthcare system is anchored by Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, the country’s largest tertiary care facility, along with regional referral hospitals in Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Mbale and other cities. The Ministry of Health’s investments under the National Health Policy have improved primary care coverage, and the private sector — including The Aga Khan Medical Centre, International Hospital Kampala (IHK), Nakasero Hospital, and Case Hospital — provides modern facilities for those with insurance or out-of-pocket means. However, complex cardiac, oncology, neurosurgical, transplant and BMT care remain largely unavailable locally, driving steady outbound medical travel — primarily to India.

Uganda’s Healthcare Landscape (2026)

• Public sector: Mulago National Referral, 14 regional referral hospitals, district hospitals.
• Private sector: Aga Khan, IHK, Nakasero, Case Hospital in Kampala.
• Specialist gaps: Limited cardiac, oncology and transplant specialist availability.

Why Ugandan Patients Travel to India

• Cost advantage: 60–80% lower than USA / UK / South Africa
• One-stop flights from Entebbe via Nairobi / Addis Ababa / Doha
• English-language consultation
• No waiting time

→ Full Uganda → India patient guide