Mulago National Referral Hospital, in partnership with the Arthritis Association of Uganda, has provided free medical services to 500 patients during a one-day medical camp held to commemorate World Arthritis Day.

The camp offered specialised care to people living with arthritis, including medical consultations, free medication, rheumatoid arthritis tests, physiotherapy, imaging services, psychological support and health education. The initiative aimed to improve patients’ quality of life, promote awareness about arthritis and help those affected better manage the condition.

The medical camp was also organised to reduce the growing backlog at Mulago’s rheumatology clinic and expand access to specialised healthcare for patients who may face challenges accessing these services.

Mulago National Referral Hospital operates a dedicated rheumatology clinic every Thursday, attending to between 50 and 80 patients weekly, according to information provided by the organisers. The high patient numbers highlight the demand for specialised arthritis care and the need to strengthen access to rheumatology services across the country.

During the event, Mulago Hospital Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Byanyima appealed to the Government of Uganda to support regional referral hospitals in establishing access to specialised rheumatology services. Such support would help expand the availability of specialised care beyond the national referral facility and improve access for patients in different parts of the country.

The camp brought together healthcare professionals and support teams to provide a range of essential services under one initiative. Free medication, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy and imaging services were among the interventions intended to support patients in managing their conditions, while psychological support and health education helped address other challenges associated with living with arthritis.

The Arthritis Association of Uganda was recognised for mobilising the resources and expertise needed to facilitate the medical camp. Appreciation was also extended to Mulago Hospital’s Radiology, Pharmacy and Laboratory teams for providing essential services during the exercise.

The initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare institutions and patient support organisations in improving access to specialised medical services and raising awareness about arthritis in Uganda.

Mulago National Referral Hospital lists arthritis services among its outpatient clinics, with a dedicated clinic available on Thursdays at Block G, Level 4. The hospital’s published service schedule also lists an arthritis clinic on Wednesdays at Upper Mulago. Patients seeking care can consult the hospital for the appropriate clinic, location and service arrangements.

The medical camp formed part of efforts to improve access to arthritis care, address delays in receiving specialised treatment and encourage greater public awareness of rheumatic diseases and their impact on patients’ daily lives.