At that time, the area had a high prevalence of leprosy patients and the dispensary was able to offer pain medication and palliative care.

[6] The dispensary was elevated to a Health Center in May 1954, with the establishment of maternity services by Sister Maria Rosa, in consultation with the Bishop of Gulu Diocese at the time, Monsignor John Baptist Cesana.

Sister Maria Rosa was assisted by Midwife Eufrasia Nanyonga, who arrived from Kampala on 18 August 1954.

[7] As of that time, St. Joseph's Hospital Kitgum delivered 1,925 babies annually, on average, with a caesarian section rate of 20.9 percent.

[7] Patient user fees accounted for approximately 15.6 percent of total hospital annual income, as of December 2019.

[7] The chairman of the hospital's Board of Governors, is John Baptist Odama, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gulu.