St. Francis School of Health Sciences Namataba in Mukono District is undertaking the initiative of constructing a health facility at campus to save students from traveling long distances for practical training.
During the covid-19 lockdown, various medical schools struggled to secure placements for their learners in training hospitals after the government issued standard operating procedures-SOPs which required a limited number of workers at the facilities.
St. Francis Lector, Peter Kiwanuka Bbosa says such challenges will become mythical besides the initiative intended to reduce the distances learner travel to access training hospitals on top of easing their inspections by instructors.
“The health facility will boost the standard of the institution and also benefit the community where it is located through offering free and cheap medical services.” Bbosa notes.
During the celebration of the institution’s patron saint’s day ‘St. Francis of Assisi’ on October 4, John Kennedy Wakida, the Chairperson for Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council was excited with the initiative saying it will increase the practical skills for trainees.
According to Wakida, St. Francis is positioning itself among the best private health schools in the country focused at producing graduates who can compete favourably in both national and international labour markets.
“I therefore advise other medical training institutions to emulate what is happening at St. Francis, establish hospitals within the institution premises so as to equip learners with more practical skills.” Wakida noted.
On the same day, Lugazi Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr JC Sserwadda appealed to students to retrieve morals since they are more seriously needed in the country than ever before. He also implored them to totally reject immoral tendencies.