KAMPALA– TotalEnergies EP Uganda has donated a high-fidelity simulation center for medical training to Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences at Mulago Hospital.
The facility, the largest of such caliber in sub-Saharan Africa, is aimed at providing specialized emergency medical skills training to strengthen the preparedness and ability of medical personnel to respond to health emergencies.
Strengthening of human resources in Uganda’s Health sector was a key area identified for development in the Ministry of Health Strategic Plan 2020/21-2024/25. According to it, the most highly required skill is in emergency medicine for all cadres (emergency doctors [physicians], nurses, and paramedics).
In a bid to support this objective and build the in-country capacity of required skilled emergency health workers, TotalEnergies EP Uganda subsequently undertook structural fit-out works and ICT installations at the skills training center, as well as purchase of simulation medical equipment worth more than USD 150,000 (over UGX 570,000,000). Some of the training and simulation equipment donated to the facility includes advanced simulation manikins, Laerdal airway management trainers, portable patient monitor & defibrillator, video laryngoscopy, and audio-video equipment among others.
Speaking at the handover, Mr. Philippe GROUEIX, General Manager, TotalEnergies EP Uganda said, “We are honoured to contribute significantly towards the development of emergency medicine in Uganda especially at a crucial time when the country is scaling up oil and gas activities which create a need for skilled health workers to provide care on remote sites. This facility will ensure that the human resources required for critical care are adequately trained and provides an opportunity for us to continue supporting the students with internationally qualified paramedics trainers. It complements ongoing efforts by the Company to support the establishment of Uganda’s first ambulance station at Naguru.”
Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director Curative Services who represented Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health presided over the ceremony.
“We appreciate the support from TotalEnergies EP Uganda in strengthening Emergency Medicine. This state-of-the-art simulation center strategically places Uganda as training and capacity-building institute both locally and internationally,” said Dr. Atwine in a speech read by Dr. Olaro
‘We are delighted by the establishment of the Emergency, Critical, and Perioperative Simulation Center. This state-of-the-art facility will contribute to the enhancement of medical training and greatly benefit our students, faculty, and the healthcare community served by Makerere University,’ said Prof Henry Arinaitwe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Makerere University.
The execution of the structural fit-outs, ICT installations, and supply of medical training equipment was undertaken by 2 Ugandan companies i.e., Teltec Investments Ltd and Philips Pharmaceuticals Uganda Ltd. The Centre will be fully operated by Makerere University College of Health Sciences which provides training for health workers in emergency medicine.
‘Mulago National Referral Hospital’s mandate includes patient care, training and research. The establishment of the simulation lab goes a long way in improving training in critical care, emergencies, and perioperative care. The in-house training will see many staff acquire skills at low cost and that hastens patient management for better outcomes,’ said Dr Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director, Mulago Hospital
The handover was attended by the Executive Director of Mulago Hospital, the Executive Director Petroleum Authority of Uganda, CNOOC, and Uganda National Oil Company.
The handover of the facility is being executed in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered by TotalEnergies EP Uganda and Makerere University in August 2022.
The MoU was aimed at establishing a framework for collaboration on various projects in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 regarding Quality Education and TotalEnergies’ pillar on promotion of youth inclusion and education. It underscores the company’s commitment to contributing towards improved access to health and education in the countries where it operates. Similarly, the initiative demonstrates our commitment to maximizing national content and generating shared value with Uganda through supporting the growth of the country’s human resource capacity.
