The hospital is located in the town of Kalongo, Agago District, Acholi sub-region, in the Northern Region of Uganda. This location lies approximately 160 kilometres (99 mi), by road, northeast of Gulu, the largest city in the sub-region.[2] Kalongo is located approximately 462 kilometres (287 mi), by road, northeast of Kampala, the capital of Uganda and the largest city in that country.[3] The geographical coordinates of Kalongo Hospital are: 03°02'41.0"N, 33°22'21.0"E (Latitude:3.044722; Longitude:33.372500).[4]
In 1957, Dr. Fr. Giuseppe Ambrosoli, an Italianphysician, surgeon and catholic priest, began the transformation of the dispensary into a full-fledged hospital. At that time the dispensary was treating many leprosy patients. Dr. Ambrosoli revolutionalised the care for leprosy patients, by admitting them to the same hospital as other patients, instead of confining them to a leprosarium. At that time, leprosaria were generally badly managed and led to patient neglect, especially in Tropical Africa.[6]
The hospital has been renamed Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, after its founder. As of October 2020, it averages 26,012 annual outpatients visits, with 11,796 annual inpatient admissions. Annual maternal deliveries average 2,665, with a caesarian rate of 15.3 percent. The hospital operates on income derived from patient fees, donations and annual government subsidies. However, no patient is turned away because of inability to pay. On average, patient fees account for approximately 9.8 percent of total hospital annual income and the Government subsidy accounts for about 18.4 percent of annual hospital income.[5]
In 1959 Dr. Fr. Giuseppe Ambrosolio established St. Mary's School of Midwifery, with a view of someday in the future handing over the care of the patients to local Ugandan staff. As of July 2011[update], the school had a student body of about 120. The school is closely affiliated with the hospital.[8]
^ abUganda Catholic Medical Bureau (24 October 2020). "About Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital". Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
^St. Mary’s Midwifery Training School (October 2020). "About St. Mary's School of Midwifery Kalongo". Kalongo, Agago District, Uganda: St. Mary’s Midwifery Training School. Retrieved 24 October 2020.