The Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekabdi has hailed relations between South Korea and Uganda describing it as true and mutual friendship which he said Government is committed to its further promotion to benefit both countries. 

He said that the Movement administration is re-aligning its priorities and also its friends who will fit its development agenda. He observed that South Korea has indicated its readiness and willingness to support Government priority areas and expressed Government commitment in working with South Korea towards a longer sustainable friendship.

Ssekandi was speaking during the handover of equipment to Masaka Referral Hospital and Butenga health Centre - Bukomansimbi donated by the Government of South Korea through its Korea Foundation for International Healthcare agency.

The Vice President said that, the effort was a clear testimony of the administration commitment to health and wellbeing of its people and commended the Government of Korea for the support saying it will go a long way in complementing Government efforts if providing timely and quality health care services to Ugandans and urged the beneficiaries to put the equipment to good use.

He said the donation was timely when Government is working on several health initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Ugandans saying the equipment will boost Government efforts in responding to emergencies and also providing informed, timely diagnostics and treatment.

The Vice President observed that functional emergency care and referral system are crucial in saving life and pledged Government commitment in ensuring that all hospitals in the country are equipment with the necessary personnel, equipment and drugs to handle emergency situations.

During the same function, the Minister for Health, Ruth Aceng said that the Government of Korea extended to Uganda over 8billion shillings for equipment and emergency services with Bukomansimbi receiving 3.5billion, Masaka hospital 3billion while about 2billion was allocated for operations at Ministry headquarters.

Under the project she said, two ambulance vehicles had been procured for Masaka and Bukomansimbi respectively while other two ambulances at Masaka hospital were repaired, established emergency centre at Butenga hospital in Bukomansimbiand, trained 127 health workers in basic emergency care with 24 of the doctors having been trained at Yonsei University Wonju medical college in Korea.

The function was also attended by local leaders from Masaka and Bukomansimbi, Ministry of Health, Korea Ambassador Ha Byung-kyoo and officials from Korea Foundation for International Healthcare witnessed the handover of two new ambulance cars, motorcycles, Xray and ultrasound machines.

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