Get Started

Pediatric Cardiology Treatment in Uganda

Expert doctors
Best treatment
High success rates
Get approximate cost for Pediatric Cardiology Treatment in Uganda

Book your appointment

Introduction to Pediatric Cardiology Treatment in Uganda

Uganda has made significant strides in developing pediatric cardiology services, mainly centered around the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) in Kampala, which remains the primary facility for pediatric cardiac diagnosis, intervention, and surgery.

The following sections will take you through the cost, best hospitals and overall comparison with different countries.

 

Pediatric Cardiology at a Glance:

  • Pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization are performed primarily at the Kampala.

  • The UHI pediatric cardiology division includes pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and an ICU team providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care.

  • Common pediatric heart diseases managed include congenital defects such as VSD, PDA, and acquired diseases like rheumatic heart disease, which remains endemic.

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery - Yapita Health
Overview

Main Pediatric Cardiology and Surgery Center

Kampala plays an important role in pediatric cardiac care in Uganda, with the following facilities:

  • Uganda Heart Institute (UHI), Kampala:

The only facility providing open heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, and pediatric cardiac surgery in Uganda. The UHI performs about 30-35 pediatric open heart surgeries annually with low mortality rates and expanding catheter interventions.

It has a growing local team of surgeons and cardiologists trained with international support since 2007-2013.

Limited pediatric cardiac services are available at regional referral hospitals but definitive surgical care requires access to UHI.

Cost of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Uganda

  • Pediatric cardiac consultations, diagnostics, and follow-up care at UHI cost significantly less than private hospitals (e.g., echocardiogram about $12 at UHI vs. $45 private).

  • The average cost of pediatric cardiac surgery in Uganda is $7,700 for common procedures like PDA or VSD repair. It is lower than many other countries, with local median direct medical costs.

  • Specific cardiac surgeries such as heart port surgery cost around $4,238 are reported, but full costs depend on procedure complexity and hospital stay.

Cost Comparison - Uganda vs. World

Country

Average Cost

Uganda

~$7,700+

Rwanda

$1,969–$18,239

Nigeria

$5,500–$11,200

India

$5,000–$12,000

Lebanon

$15,000-30,000

USA

$32,000–$50,000+

 
 
Why choose Yapita Health
Doctors
+5000 Doctors
Packages
+20000 Packages
Patient
+5000 Served Patient
RoboticTreatment
Robotic Treatment
InvasiveSurgery
Minimal Invasive Surgery
Countries
+4 countries

Treatment Considerations for Ugandan Families 

  • Most children with congenital heart disease must be diagnosed at regional centers and referred to UHI for definitive treatment, presenting access challenges in rural or remote areas.

  • Uganda has a national RHD (rheumatic heart disease) program supported by international donors focusing on prevention, surgery, and long-term care.

  • Capacity building is ongoing through fellowship training programs, visiting surgical missions, and telemedicine to increase local expertise.

UHI in Kampala is the key center for affordable and comprehensive pediatric cardiology and surgery services in Uganda. International collaboration and local training continue to strengthen the capacity to serve children within the country.

Uganda offers comparatively low-cost pediatric cardiac surgery relative to many countries, making UHI the most accessible and cost-effective option for children with congenital heart disease.

This development has significantly improved prognosis and access but ongoing efforts remain essential to broaden geographic accessibility and capacity for complex cases.