Chris Kiwawulo
12 May 2008
Kampala — SENIOR medics of the Hospice Africa Uganda have asked the Government to integrate palliative care studies in the medical students' syllabus.
The course unit will enable medical graduates to help the terminally ill to die with dignity, said Dr. Anne Merriman, the Hospice founder.
She made the remarks during a press conference in Kampala ahead of this year's palliative care week to be held between May 12 and 17. This year's theme is: "Freedom from pain is a human right."
Palliative care involves providing social, physical and emotional support to the patients besides medical treatment.
Merriman said: "We want to ensure that palliative care reaches all individuals in Africa although we are constrained by staff retention and financial problems."
Currently, Hospice, a private health service provider, teaches the subject to students of Makerere and Mbarara universities, said Dr. Jack Jaggwe, the senior adviser on drugs.
"We are happy that the Government has accepted palliative care as part of the essential health services and has set up a unit at Mulago Hospital to handle patients. However, we want all medical schools in the country to integrate the subject in the syllabus."
Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala is expected to grace the palliative care week.
Several activities, including music and drama, will be conducted at the Centenary Park.
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