Health ministry names medical team for pope's visit

By Joyce Namutebi                                                             

The Ministry of Health has constituted a team of consultants from 11 health institutions and the army to undertake case management and prevention during the Pope’s visit.

The Ministry is responsible for coordinating the health and medical programs for the Pope’s visit, according to a press release issued the Public Relations office.

Pope Francis, who is coming to Uganda next week, is scheduled to visit several palaces in the country including the martyrs shrines at Namugongo and Bakateyamba home in Nalukolongo.

Thousands of people are expected to witness the occasion.

The team consists of consultants from Mulago National Referral Hospital, Naguru Hospital, Nsambya and Rubaga Hospitals, Uganda Heart Institute, Uganda Blood Bank Transfusion Services and Uganda Red Cross Society.

Also St. John’s ambulance, Ambulance Africa, Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force, and Special Forces Command, the ministry’s Communications Officer, Rukia Nakamatte said yesterday.

She said that teams will be positioned at Munyonyo, Kololo, Namugongo, Nakiyanja and Nalukolongo.

“A first class ambulance consisting of top specialist and consultants has been earmarked to escort the Pope’s motorcade,” she said.

At Namugongo, Zia Angelina Health Center has been given a facelift and has been equipped to handle any causalities, Nakamatte said noting that the facility will be given a team of consultants to handle any cases.

She said that at least 20 ambulances shall be dedicated to this cause, with some to be stationed at venues while others will be patrolling the various routes.

UPDF air Ambulance will also be available for any air ambulance services, she said.

Uganda is the second of three African countries the pontiff will visit, after being in neighbouring Kenya from November 25 to 27.

Uganda will deploy over 10,000 police officers backed by soldiers when Pope visits.

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