The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital in Mbuya has initiated a five-day training programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of health personnel to respond to medical emergencies. The programme, a collaborative effort between the UPDF Joint Staff Health Services and medical specialists from the United Kingdom, brings together health workers from the UPDF National Referral Hospital and other UPDF health facilities. This training focuses on Basic and Intermediate Life Support, crucial for life-saving emergency interventions.
The training was officially opened by the Deputy Joint Staff Health Services on behalf of Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ochen, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Brig Gen Ochen emphasized the importance of continuous professional training in improving healthcare quality and addressing knowledge gaps within the UPDF health services. He urged participants to take the programme seriously and share the acquired knowledge with their colleagues, highlighting the significance of this training in enhancing emergency care.
The British team of facilitators is led by Lieutenant Colonel Ashley Wiseman, Defence Adviser and Defence Attaché to the British High Commission in Uganda. Lt Col Wiseman commended the UPDF health leadership for maintaining their longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom. He noted that this training provides an opportunity for both sides to exchange knowledge and experience in emergency medical care, further strengthening their collaboration.
This collaboration between the UPDF and British medical specialists has previously supported the establishment of the UPDF’s mental health department. The current training aims to enhance the ability of UPDF health personnel to provide timely and effective care during medical emergencies. By equipping health workers with life-saving skills, the programme is expected to improve emergency response and patient outcomes.
The training programme has brought together health workers from various UPDF health facilities, providing a platform for them to learn from each other and from international experts. Participants will acquire skills in basic and intermediate life support, enabling them to respond effectively in emergency situations. This training is a significant step towards strengthening the capacity of UPDF health personnel.
The partnership between the UPDF and the UK in the health sector demonstrates the commitment of both parties to improving healthcare. The training programme is a testament to the longstanding collaboration between the two nations, with a focus on enhancing medical care and emergency response. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on healthcare delivery within the UPDF.
The UPDF health personnel will benefit from the expertise of British medical specialists, enhancing their skills in emergency care. The training programme is a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and capacity building, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes. The collaboration between the UPDF and UK medical specialists is expected to continue, with future initiatives aimed at further strengthening healthcare in Uganda.
Key points
- The UPDF health personnel are receiving life support training from UK specialists to enhance their capacity to respond to medical emergencies.
- The training programme aims to improve emergency response and patient outcomes by equipping health workers with life-saving skills.
- The collaboration between the UPDF and UK medical specialists demonstrates a commitment to improving healthcare and emergency response in Uganda.
