Minister Kabbyanga Emphasizes Sustainable Healthcare At the 9th CAMTech Uganda MedTech Hackathon

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

In an inspiring address, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, the Minister of State at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the importance of innovation in achieving equitable and sustainable healthcare at the 9th CAMTech Uganda Medical Technology Hackathon.

The event, held at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, gathered experts, stakeholders, and innovators to discuss and develop affordable medical technologies that can transform healthcare in resource-limited settings.

Addressing a distinguished audience, including the Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University, the Rector of Ngozi University in Burundi, and representatives from the Ugandan Embassy in Burundi and the World Intellectual Property Organization, Minister Baluku emphasized the need for accessible and affordable healthcare solutions, particularly in developing countries where quality healthcare remains a luxury for many.

The Minister acknowledged the significant contributions of medical technology innovations to improving healthcare outcomes globally. From the development of advanced imaging technologies to surgical advancements, these innovations have saved countless lives.

However, the high cost of these technologies has limited their accessibility, especially in low-income areas. To bridge this gap, Minister Baluku stressed the importance of developing affordable and accessible medical technologies specifically tailored for resource-limited settings.

He commended CAMTech Uganda for its mission to foster entrepreneurship and accelerate medical technology innovation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The Minister highlighted the support provided by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance through the National ICT Initiative Support Program (NIISP) to mentor and accelerate the projects of CAMTech Uganda’s innovators.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors was also emphasized as critical for success. While the private sector plays a key role in developing innovative solutions, the government and public institutions have a responsibility to invest in healthcare infrastructure and ensure the accessibility of these technologies to those who need them the most.

Minister Baluku concluded his remarks by commending the efforts of CAMTech Uganda, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and all its partners for their commitment to improving global healthcare outcomes through affordable medical technologies.

He expressed his belief that innovative solutions, coupled with collaboration between stakeholders, will pave the way for a world where equitable and sustainable healthcare is a reality for all.

The 9th CAMTech Uganda Medical Technology Hackathon marks a crucial step forward in leveraging innovation to transform healthcare in Uganda and throughout Africa.

With the support of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and its partners, CAMTech Uganda is poised to drive the development and delivery of affordable medical technologies that can significantly improve the lives of people in resource-limited settings.