Germany boosts Uganda's emergency health services with medical ventilators

HEALTH | MEDICAL | VENTILATORS

KAMPALA - The German government has donated 64 sets of ventilator machines to Uganda. 

According to the Executive Secretary of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau, through which the donation was channelled, the equipment valued at Euros 473, 262 (about sh1.8b) will benefit faith-founded as well as government hospitals.

The Acting Director General of Health Services at the Miinistry of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro delivers his thanksgiving message.

The ceremonial handing over of the equipment took place at the offices of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat, Nsambya, Makindye Division on Thursday (January 19, 2023).

It was presided over by the Deputy Head of Development Corporation at the German Embassy, David Loew, assisted by the Country Director of Maltezer International, Erik Ponsard. 

Medical workers pose for a photo at the newly donated ventilators. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

The function was witnessed by the Acting Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, the Commissioner for Emergency Medical Services, Dr. John Baptist Waniaye, the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. Dr. John Baptist Kauta and several staff members of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau.

Dr. Sam Orochi Orach paid tribute to the German Government, the German Embassy, the German people and Malteser International for the donation which he said will significantly improve emergency health services.  

He said that even after the defeat of Covud-19, the donated items were still very important for managing other cases of severe respiratory distress. 

The Deputy Head of Development Corporation at the German Embassy, David Loew delivers his speech. Left is Msgr. John Bapist Kauta.

Orach paid even greater tribute to Maltezer International for requesting a donation to Uganda. He thanked the ministry of health in a special way for negotiating a tax exemption (with URA). 

He further thanked BEGECA, a German charity-inclined procurement organization for its role in the delivery of the equipment.

Msgr. John Baptist Kauta hailed the rich collaboration between the German people and the people of Uganda, which he said was in harmony with the social teaching of Pope Francis on human solidarity. 

Biomedical engineer Eugene Bizimana explains to the people how a ventilator works.

He said the solution to the many challenges in the world calls for solidarity, where people are mindful of the needs of others.

David Loew (the Deputy Head of Development Corporation at the German Embassy) said the German government will continue to work with the government of Uganda to improve emergency health services as it has been doing previously. 

He thanked Ugandans for fighting and finally defeating Ebola.