Virika Hospital;

Providing Quality Care in Western Uganda

Located in the heart of Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Holy Family Virika Hospital is a private, non-profit, faith-based community hospital owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal. With a bed capacity of 207, the hospital provides quality health care services to patients from Kabarole District and neighbouring districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo, and Kibaale. Holy Family Virika Hospital was founded as a dispensary in 1911 by the White Sisters of our Lady of Africa, and has since expanded its facilities to become one of the most reputable hospitals in Western Uganda. The hospital’s management is entrusted to the religious congregation of the Sisters of the Daughters of Saint Thereza of the Child Jesus, who ensure that the hospital provides quality, affordable health care services to the local community. The hospital has a wide range of medical services, including surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and laboratory services. Additionally, the hospital runs the Bishop Magambo Counselor Training Institute in collaboration with Uganda Martyrs University, offering a Master of Arts in Counseling degree, and the Virika Hospital School of Nursing. Holy Family Virika Hospital has a rich history dating back to its humble beginnings. In 1962, the hospital was handed over to the Medical Mission Sisters, who expanded the facilities and established the Virika School of Nursing. The hospital was then handed over to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal in 1975, which entrusted the management of the institution to the religious congregation of the Sisters of the Daughters of Saint Thereza of the Child Jesus. Holy Family Virika Hospital has faced challenges in the past, including earthquake damage affecting 95 percent of the buildings in February 1994. However, repairs were carried out from 1995 until 2000, and the hospital has continued to provide quality health care services to the local community. In 2019, patient user-fees accounted for approximately 59.1 percent of total hospital annual income, on average. With its commitment to providing quality, affordable health care services to the local community, Holy Family Virika Hospital is undoubtedly one of the most reputable hospitals in Western Uganda.