The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital in Mbuya has started a five-day training programme aimed at strengthening health personnel’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies.
The Basic and Intermediate Life Support training is being conducted by the UPDF Joint Staff Health Services in partnership with medical specialists from the United Kingdom.
The programme has brought together health workers from the UPDF National Referral Hospital and other UPDF health facilities to enhance their skills in life-saving emergency interventions.
The training was officially opened by the Deputy Joint Staff Health Services on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ochen, who urged participants to take the programme seriously and share the knowledge acquired with their colleagues.
Brig Gen Ochen said continuous professional training is important in improving the quality of healthcare and addressing knowledge gaps within the UPDF health services.
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.
Lt Col Wiseman commended the UPDF health leadership for maintaining the longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom, saying the training provides an opportunity for both sides to exchange knowledge and experience in emergency medical care.
The collaboration between the UPDF and British medical specialists has previously supported the establishment of the UPDF’s mental health department.
The training is expected to enhance the ability of UPDF health personnel to provide timely and effective care during medical emergencies.
