The first batch of students for the Master’s Degree in palliative care have graduated from Makerere University.
Palliative care is a form of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and suffering associated with serious illnesses, particularly those that are life-threatening. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
The students who were from Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda studied at Hospice Africa Uganda Institute in Makindye which is affiliated with Makerere University.
James Natuhwera a student representative and palliative care specialist noted that during clinical training in the medical school, he was never taken through the management of chronic illnesses like cancer. He adds that when he started practice he felt that patients did not get much of the health care they needed.
According to Natuhwera, this prompted him to advance in his career to bridge the gap in palliative care in terms of expertise, and communication among other factors so that patients can manage their chronic illnesses without much pain.
Natuhwera says that many undergraduate doctors and nurses lack hands-on skills in palliative care.
Joyce Zalwango, the Capacity Building Manager at the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) highlighted that there is a lack of people who can push for palliative care policies at a higher level. She urged the graduates to use their skills to advocate for palliative care services at all levels.
Kevin Colgan, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, applauded the work of Hospice Uganda Ireland for supporting the education of students in Uganda and throughout Africa to acquire better skills in palliative care services.
Prof Dr. Anne Merriman, the founder of palliative care in Africa noted that doctors have started to appreciate the work of palliative care nurses than before. She added that the knowledge the graduates have acquired will help them practice in their respective countries.
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