Joint Medical Stores has made a significant contribution today by donating two versatile and life-saving universal anesthesia machines worth 200 million to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
These multipurpose machines play a crucial role in the theater, monitoring and supporting the breathing of patients undergoing surgery, and are designed to function even without power.
Pellins Byamaka, the Biomedical Engineer at Joint Medical Stores, explained that these machines were specifically developed for facilities facing challenges in accessing medical oxygen and having highly trained staff. The machines have the unique capability to generate their own oxygen through an inbuilt oxygen concentrator, operating at low pressure to conserve oxygen while effectively saving lives. Equipped with patient monitors and ventilators, these machines enhance the surgical process.
Dr. Joseph Epodoi, Senior Consultant Surgeon Neurologist at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, also the acting Senior Executive Consultant, expressed gratitude for Joint Medical Stores consistently supplying the facility with quality machines and providing training for personnel to handle and maintain them. The machines come at a critical time for Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, which conducts 1500 major surgeries and nearly 10,000 minor surgeries annually.
Despite its aging infrastructure, the hospital has gained trust for its surgical prowess, notably for successfully separating Siamese twins in 2021, a feat that brought the hospital into the limelight.
Dr. Epodoi highlighted the importance of the enhanced capacity of the anesthesia machines, ensuring the safety of patients, especially children and those with hypertension, during surgeries. He stated, “We had these machines, but some broke down, and only one was working. With these two, we shall be having three anesthesia machines.”
Dr. Emmanuel Higenyi, the Technical Director of Joint Medical Stores, shared that over 200 similar machines have been distributed across various facilities in the country over the past nine years. He emphasized that Joint Medical Stores not only provides machines but also focuses on capacity building for those administering anesthesia and supporting the surgical process, starting Monday.
Soroti Regional Hospital was chosen for this donation due to its extensive catchment population covering the entire region. Dr. Higenyi expressed the belief that this donation would positively impact many lives and contribute to saving those who might not have been saved otherwise.
Highlighting the critical role of anesthesia machines, Dr. Higenyi mentioned Joint Medical Stores’ plans to expand their reach to district hospitals, serving as the first point for minor operations. This expansion aligns with their mission to provide crucial medical equipment and support to healthcare facilities across the country.
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