Views: 44
- Meet Lt. Col.(Dr) Ivan Edwards, the first flight Surgeon of Ugandan descent in the US Military (R) and Major (Dr) Rachael Nambusi,the first female flight Surgeon of Ugandan descent.Both are US Air Force Flight Surgeons. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/Photo/KMA Updates.
In their view, critical issues such as the very fragmented and ill equipped medical infrastructure, coupled with poor remuneration for physicians and other healthcare workers in general, should be addressed to improve healthcare delivery in Uganda. Additionally, the massive brain-drain seen over the years must be stopped.
These issues should not be simply talked about, but sought to be implemented with the solid backing of the appropriate authorities. A commitment to delivering quality and affordable healthcare to all people is key. They are optimistic that such initiatives would enhance synergies to improve healthcare in Uganda.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards (R) and Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards (R) and Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards (R) and Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards (R) and Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards (R) and Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Dr. Edwards suggested that integrated healthcare that involves the various specialties, viz. periodic dental check ups that offset later cardiac risks, timely blood lipid tests, breast cancer screenings, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening at ages 45-75, can improve tangible outcomes in which later costs of higher healthcare costs are averted. Preventative care, he opined, is more cost effective than healthcare done in the back end or active phase of cases when diseases are trying to be managed. This model of implementing preventative care measures would require, he added, close collaboration among healthcare professionals.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Dr. Nambusi commended the accomplished medical workers currently in Uganda, who need to be further empowered with the necessary tools to deliver quality and standardized healthcare. It is going to take a concerted effort by all medical personnel working together to solve the inadequate health care issues. She emphasizes the need to enhance the utilization of innovation and technology to meet the massive need for specialty care that’s led to many senseless deaths, and increases in expensive medical tourism.
As flight surgeons with the critical role of ensuring safe patient transport, they hope to utilize the skills learned from serving in the US Air Force to improve healthcare delivery in Uganda.
- Col.(Dr) Edwards.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
On the aspect of the high youth population, which constitutes about 78% of the population, Dr.s Edwards and Nambusi noted that motivating the youth to serve something bigger than themselves, advocating for young Ugandans to embrace volunteerism and hard work grounded in integrity would be ideal to implement. They remarked that the USAF core value of “service before self,” is what the youth can draw on to serve community and country.
Major (Dr) Nambusi. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The two Flight Surgeons, Colonel Edwards and Major Nambusi are on family visits in Uganda. They are are symbols of pride to their motherland of Uganda. They desire nothing but to help in becoming conduits of delivering accessible and improved healthcare to all that need it. An obligation to serve and give back is what inspires them.
Special thanks to Ms.Teddy Mugote and the two above Doctors for their contributions.
Editing and Photography by Ronald Kabuubi Senior/KMA Updates.
Disclaimer:
The opinions shared by Drs. Edwards and Nambusi are personal and are not those of the the US military or any entity/organization they are affiliated with in any way, form or shape.