The UPDF Director Medical Services Brig Dr. Stephen Kusasira, has lauded Ministry of Health (MoH) for equipping the UPDF medical personnel with the theoretical knowledge on managing Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
Officiating at the closure of a two day Ministry of Health training for the UPDF medical personnel from various units under Land forces on Tuesday, Brig Kusasira expressed optimism that the officers can now readily handle Covid-19 in case it breaks out in the country.
He noted that it's good that UPDF has been equipped with the theoretical knowledge on what to do, adding that now the medics need to sheave out what is practical and be ready for deployment.
"Be ready for deployment and with the knowledge acquired you should not be afraid," Dr. Kusasura said, emphasizing that the medics must ensure safety by taking the basic precautions even if they are overwhelmed by the number of patients. He requested the participants to pass on the information acquired to colleagues in their respective units who did not attend the training.
The trainees were taken through surveillance on coronavirus disease, mental health and psychosocial support for the patients, infection prevention and control for coronavirus. The medics were also taken through drills on how to protect themselves during handling of patients.
Opening one of the medical trainings at Mbuya Senior Officers Diagnostic Centre last week, Maj Gen Ambrose Musinguzi, the UPDF Chief of Medical Services, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces [CDF] said that as the UPDF they are mandated to respond to emergencies like they have been doing over the years.
He noted that the training only helps them to respond better to the virus in case it hits the country. "As UPDF, we are under obligation to respond to emergencies and help to protect the people we serve,” he said.
Globally, coronavirus has infected 184,976 people and killed more than 7,500, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Uganda is yet to register any case of coronavirus, as neighbours Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and DRC grapple with the virus.
