The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Tumusiime Katsigazi, has praised the directorate of Health Services based at Nsambya Barracks during a familiarisation tour with the directorate.
He was received by the Director of Medical Services, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIGP Dr. Byaruhanga Moses, and his team.
Tumusiime appreciated the commitment and services rendered by the medical personnel.
“Your intervention has sustained life in a very difficult situation, irrespective of all the necessary tools, but you are committed to working for this country, and we appreciate all of the services rendered,” Tumusiime stated.
Tumusiime added that the force operates under a constrained budget, which is temporary, and promised that the hard times will be over as the economy improves. He also emphasised the need to establish and improve medical facilities in the force to serve Police officers and Ugandans who seek medical attention.
The director of health services, AIGP Byaruhanga, opened up that, currently, the Police run 98 health centres at different levels, including 4 Health centres III and 83 Health centres II facilities, a number that increased by 22.4% from 76 Health centres in the last 10 years in 67 districts across the country.
Byaruhanga, however, added that this number needs enough health workers and professional diversity to fill the existing gap.
“We are understaffed, especially the medical doctors to support the medico-legal services across the country. We only have 13 police surgeons at the regional level, representing 45%; hence, there is a need for more,” Byaruhanga said.
On human resources, Byaruhanga said the institution is supporting Police health workers to pursue further studies to help close the gap.
Currently, 76 personnel are being supported for further studies at different levels: 27 for bachelor’s, of whom 20 are for medicine and surgery; 43 for Diploma courses; and 6 for Certificate courses,” Byaruhanga stated.
The Directorate of Police Health Services was established in 1963 with only a maternity ward at Nsambya Police Barracks. In 1970, clinical services (Outpatient department) were opened up at Naguru Police Barracks and later extended to Nsambya in 1975.
