Bwindi Community Hospital and Dr. Scott Kellermann win 2024 Heroes in Health Awards

Dec 21

Dr. Charlotte Aguti Ongom, Executive Director and Rev. Akandinda Elizabeth, Director of Finance and Administration receive the awards on behalf of Bwindi Community Hospital and Dr. Kellermann.

by Elizabeth Namara

Bwindi Community Hospital (BCH) and Dr. Scott Kellermann won the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) 2024. BCH was recognized for their "Use of ICT and Innovations to Improve Patient Care," while Dr. Scott Kellermann, one of the founders of the hospital, won the prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award."

The HIHA Awards were created by the Ministry of Health in Uganda to celebrate exemplary public-private partnerships that provide solutions in Uganda's health system. HIHA is a rewards initiative instituted to recognize outstanding individuals, entities, organizations, services, products, and programs.

HIHA is a public choice award, where members of the public nominate and vote for their heroes.

At a gala dinner in Munyonyo, Kampala, Dr. Charlotte Aguti Ongom, BCH Executive Director, received the two awards on behalf of the hospital and Dr. Scott Kellermann. BCH was the second runner-up for the Use of ICT and Innovations to Improve Patient Care Award. Dr. Scott Kellermann received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award.

For the past two decades, Dr. Kellermann has provided care, fostered education, and uplifted indigenous Batwa communities. His selflessness shows the true spirit of compassion in healthcare, making him a deserving recipient of the 2024 HIHA Lifetime Achievement Award.

BCH has been a pioneer in integrating information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance patient care, particularly through the implementation of electronic medical records and mobile health (mHealth) technologies. These innovations have been instrumental in advancing community health interventions and disease surveillance, significantly impacting maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), community mental health, health insurance mobilization, and zoonotic disease detection.

The HIHA awards were followed by the "Best Service Delivery Award 2024" presented to BCH by the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB) for embracing ICT in healthcare during the UPMB 2024 Symposium.