Uganda, Feb. 1 -- The lack of a standby generator is affecting the provision of computed tomography (CT) scan services, among others, at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.

The CT scan machine, which was installed by the Ministry of Health in December 2022, serves about 16 hospitals in the region.

However, due to power blackouts, patients said they wait for several hours to get services. They also have to pay between Shs120,000 and Shs150,000 for CT scan services.

Sources said the hospital handles at least 10 to 20 patients who need CT scan services, though the children and accident victims are exempted from paying for the services.

"We have been waiting since morning for power to come back so that we can get the services. I wonder why ...