By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
The Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) Programme has donated several medical equipments to Lira University Teaching Hospital worth over sh200 Million.
Dr Omech Bernard, the DINU Coordinator, also a senior lecturer, Lira University noted the equipment will boost and strengthen screening and management of malnutrition related diseases in the Teaching Hospital.
Dr Omech added that DINU Programme, funded by the European Union and supervised by the Office has the overall objective “to consolidate stability in Northern Uganda, eradicate poverty and under nutrition, and strengthen the foundations for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development”.
Dr Omech revealed that under the DINU, the CHASE -Hunger and Poverty project is a three year funded by European Union with National Agricultural Research organization (NARO) as the lead implementer and the main purpose of diversifying Food Systems for Food and Nutrition Security, Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development in Northern Uganda.
He noted that Lira University is contributing to rational Utilization of nutritious foods, community-based Child and Maternal Nutrition and Public health as well as Family planning in the selected sub-counties of Acholi ( Pader, Kigum, Gulu and Nwoya) and Lango( Alebtong, Lira, Kole and Oyam) sub- regions.
The medical equipment donated include CBC Machine, Ultra Sound Scanners, digital Blood Pressure machines, Echocardiography machines, ECG machine, Digital weighing machines, grinders, distilled water system among others,
He observed that the medical equipment support will not only improve Malnutrition related diseases in the hospital but promote training and education of health sciences training through evidence-based practices and research.
Vice Chancellor, Lira University, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng lauded DINU programme for the support targeting the improvement of health services at the Teaching Hospital. He added that collaboration and partnership with national and international organisations has always been key in the development of the Teaching Hospital and the University.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng noted that the Teaching Hospital has since continued to grow steadily with better health services and specialised disease treatments with the use of digitised modern equipment.
The Vice Chancellor noted that Lira University Teaching Hospital is different from other public hospitals in that it attracts development opportunities from local and international donors through research, grants and partnerships.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng was optimistic that several modern and computerised medical equipment will still be procured and supplied to the Teaching Hospital to help in treating patients and training health students.
The Acting University Secretary, Mr Atim Tom also praised DINU for the support, adding that the University will now allocate funds for Operations and maintenance of the equipment. He noted that DINU has rescued the university from the financial stress of providing the critical medical equipment to the Teaching Hospital.
Atim Tom urged staff to put the equipment in good use and ensure their security. He added that Lira university management plans to expand the Teaching hospital with specialised health services and equipment.
Atim Tom added that with team work embraced, Lira University will continue to offer best services including producing competent academic products in the community. He added that undertaking research and innovations will boost service delivery at the institution.
The end…
