Gov''t deploys 467 health experts for Pope''s visit

By Violet Nabatanzi

THE ministry of health has deployed over 400 health personnel to handle any emergency that may arise during the Pope's visit.

The experts will be deployed at Entebbe Airport, and the different places that the Pontiff will visit (Munyonyo, Nakiyanja, Nalukolongo, Namugongo, Kololo and Rubaga)

Launching the Uganda National Ambulance Service on Thursday afternoon, health minister Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye said, a team of epidemiologists and surveillance division staff has also been deployed at all the sites to manage any health related problem.

"We have stocked enough medicines and supplies to treat those who may fall sick," he said.

The ministry also flagged off 38 ambulances which are ready to handle emergencies during the historic visit. 

 true

"Ten of the ambulances are new (worth sh1.9bn); others are from UPDF, City Ambulance, Mulago National Referral Hospital,  Rubaga and Mengo hospitals among others," he added.

The Pope is expected to jet into the country on Friday for a two-day stay before flying out to Central African Republic (CAR).

Uganda will be privileged to have hosted three different Popes – the first was Pope Paul VI in 1969 and then Paul John Paul II in 1993.

The theme of the latest papal visit will be 'You Will Be My Witness' extracted from the Acts of the Apostles (1:8).

The permanent secretary ministry of health Dr. Asuman Lukwago said government expects to procure 112 Ambulances to cover the entire country. 

He said the ambulance crew will be connected to a National Code like that of 999 for Uganda police.