Kisumu
  19/09/07
 
KAMPALA IN MAJOR PREPARATION FOR THE COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT.

By Leo Odera Omolo

All major hospitals in Kampala and its environs will be on 24 hour alert during the Commonwealth Heads of State (CHOGM) and Governments summit.

The summit which is expected to be officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on her capacity as the head of commonwealth is slated for November 12 to 30, 2007.

The summit is expected to attract 5000 delegates from 53 commonwealth member countries.

Uganda Minister of State for Health Dr. Richard Nduhura said the hospitals which are expected to remain alert and open for 24 hour include Mulago, Mengo, Nsambija, Rubaga, Entebbe, Kisubi, Kibuli, Kampala International, Kololo Paragon, The Surgery Case Clinic and the Africa Air Rescue.

Dr. Nduhura while briefing the Foreign Ministry officials in Kampala said the country was ready to provide health services to all delegates during the summit.

The Minister disclosed that the government has spent Ush. 3.7 billion on the rehabilitation of Mulago and Entebbe Grade B hospitals in preparation for the meeting.

At Mulago, the Minister said the casualty, intensive care units, the private wards and the mortuary had been rehabilitated. New emergence equipment will be installed at the hospital by the end of this month.

He further disclosed that the roof of the first floor; perimeter wall and walkways of Entebbe hospital were being repaired.

All the hospitals mentioned above, said Dr. Nduhura would be open to the public because they are not CHOGM venue.

He went on ??we have made arrangements with certain hospitals in Kenya and South Africa to stand by for evacuations if need arises??

A total of 928 health personnel have been trained and accredited for various CHOGM activities, he added.

The Minister further stated that 23 mobile units would be strategically located and centrally commanded by the health ministry. CHOGM venues like hotels will have static units backed by the mobile units, he said.

Dr. Nduhura said in case a communicable disease outbreak, his Ministry would immediately activate the National Emergency and response taskforce to manage epidemics.

The Uganda Blood Transfusion Service will make arrangements to reserve sufficient blood stocks.

The CHCGM is expected to attract presidents, Prime Ministers and Heads of Government from all the protection commonwealth and former protection colonies and dominion.

Ends.

leooderaomolo@yhoo.com