TotalEnergies EP has presented Makerere University with a state-of-the-art medical training center, underscoring the company’s commitment to enhancing emergency medical capabilities in Uganda.
The high-fidelity simulation center, now part of Makerere’s College of Health Sciences at Mulago Hospital, stands as the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa beyond Cape Town.
The facility’s primary goal is to provide specialized training in emergency medical skills, bolstering the readiness and proficiency of medical personnel when faced with health crises.
The donation, officials said would greatly complement the Ministry of Health Strategic Plan’s emphasis on strengthening human resources in Uganda’s health sector, particularly in emergency medicine.
To support this objective, TotalEnergies EP Uganda announced that they had invested in structural fit-out, ICT installations, and simulation medical equipment valued at over USD 150,000 (UGX 570,000,000).
The equipment includes advanced simulation manikins, training tools for airway management, patient monitoring and defibrillation devices, video laryngoscopy equipment, and audio-video tools.
The facility was handed over by Mr. Philippe Groueix TotalEnergies EP Uganda General Manager in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Health and Makerere University.
“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,” said Mr Groueix.
“This facility will ensure that the human resources required for critical care is 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 Olaro Charles, the Health Ministry’s Director Curative Services who represented Dr Diana Atwiine, the PS, thanked Total Energies for the groundbreaking initiative.
“We appreciate the support from TotalEnergies EP Uganda in strengthening Emergency Medicine. This state-of-the-art simulation center strategically places Uganda as a training and capacity-building institute both locally and internationally,” he said.
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.