Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-29 08:38:14
Up to 35 health facilities in Uganda will benefit from the donation of 54 patient safety monitors, also known as capnographs, by global health organizations Smile Train and Lifebox. This donation aims to improve patient monitoring during surgeries and reduce the risks associated with anesthesia.
Dr. Elizabeth Igaga, the director of safety and quality at Smile Train, stated that the capnographs will be distributed to hospitals in a phased manner, with facilities like Mulago, CoRSU, Mbale Hospitals, and Makerere University Teaching Hospital among the recipients. These facilities already have healthcare providers who have been trained on using the devices, ensuring effective utilization.
The donation of the capnographs to CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital was praised by Dr. Juliana Nanimambi, an anesthesiologist at the hospital. She highlighted the significance of the portable machine in measuring carbon dioxide levels during surgery, monitoring the patient’s heart rate and oxygen levels, and enhancing overall patient care. The capnograph’s portability and battery life of approximately six hours make it a valuable tool for healthcare providers in anesthesia monitoring.
Research studies have shown that anesthesia-related deaths remain a significant concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A 2016 meta-analysis revealed that anesthesia accounted for a considerable percentage of maternal deaths, emphasizing the importance of improving anesthesia care, especially in pregnant women. The common causes of anesthesia-related deaths include circulatory failure, declined oxygen levels, technical equipment failure, and complications during intubation.
Intubation, a critical process in maintaining airway patency during surgery, plays a crucial role in anesthesia management. Failure in proper intubation can lead to serious complications, emphasizing the need for adequate training and monitoring equipment in healthcare facilities.
A study conducted in Uganda in 2019 highlighted the high volume of surgeries performed annually in the country, underlining the importance of patient safety measures such as capnographs in reducing risks during surgical procedures. By equipping health facilities with advanced monitoring devices like capnographs, organizations like Smile Train and Lifebox are contributing to the improvement of healthcare services and patient outcomes in Uganda.
In conclusion, the donation of capnographs to 35 health facilities in Uganda represents a significant step towards enhancing patient safety and improving anesthesia monitoring during surgeries. By addressing the risks associated with anesthesia and providing healthcare providers with essential tools, global health organizations are making a valuable contribution to the healthcare system in Uganda.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
