UPDF, UK Specialists Train Health Personnel In Emergency Care

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital in Mbuya has commenced a five-day Basic and Intermediate Life Support training programme for its health personnel to strengthen their capacity to respond to medical emergencies.

The training is being conducted by the UPDF Joint Staff Health Services in partnership with medical specialists from the United Kingdom and has brought together health personnel from the hospital and other UPDF health facilities.

The British team of facilitators is led by the Defence Adviser and Defence Attaché to the British High Commission in Uganda, Lieutenant Colonel Ashley Wiseman.

While opening the training on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ochen, the Deputy Joint Staff Health Services, thanked the UK team for accepting the invitation to support the programme.

Brig Gen Ochen urged participants to take the training seriously and share the knowledge acquired with their colleagues to help bridge existing knowledge gaps and improve the quality of healthcare within the UPDF.

“Take this training seriously, maintain your discipline and be ready to learn. It is not time to argue. Take everything new and assume you do not know. They are also coming to learn from what you know,” Brig Gen Ochen said.

He noted that continuous training plays an important role in improving professional competence, adding that the UPDF’s mental health department was established with support from British specialists.

Representing the facilitators, Lt Col Wiseman commended the Joint Staff Health Services leadership and the management of the UPDF National Referral Hospital for maintaining a long-standing partnership with the UK.

He said the training would provide an opportunity for participants and facilitators to share knowledge and experiences in life-saving medical interventions.

The opening ceremony was attended by Brig Gen Dr Ronald Nangamba, Chief Executive Officer of the UPDF National Referral Hospital; Col Lusiba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer; Col Deborah K. Nayebare, Administrator and Finance Officer; junior health officers; heads of hospital departments; and other medical personnel.