NAF uplifts healthcare for troops, graduates 47 medics

The Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM) Kaduna has  graduated a new set of 47 adept medical personnel after the completion of an intensive 4 -week training program, in its effort to bolster healthcare services delivery for Nigerian Air Force Personnel involved in internal security operations.

According to the school, the short but comprehensive skills upgrade targeted Air Force Medical personnel with qualifications in Pharmacy Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, X-ray Technician, Dental Technician, Preventive Health Technician, Dietetics Technician, Medical Records Technician, and Veterinary Assistance.

“The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services for frontline troops while simultaneously enhancing the capabilities of the Medical Branch for effective service delivery.”

 “The training package for this year includes addressing the crucial manpower needs in emergency and rescue operations’ efforts in NAF Units operating in the various theatres of operation.”

” The overall training package which aligned with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, underpinned by one of the key enabler on ‘deliberate training and mission-oriented force development. The strategic training was also aimed at uplifting the proficiency of NAF Medical Services in healthcare delivery both in the field and hospital environments.”

“The graduates of this training are primed for deployment to the NAF hospitals and operational theatres nationwide, in readiness to partake in aeromedical evacuation and rescue missions, while upholding the utmost standards in healthcare delivery as envisioned by the current leadership of the NAF.”

 In his speech during the graduation ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour Air Marshal HB Abubakar, represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnamdi Ananaba, congratulated the graduands on their successful completion of the rigorous courses.

 He emphasized that while the graduation marked the culmination of their training phase, it also symbolized the commencement of a new chapter requiring unwavering commitment and dedication to service in order to achieve the overall operational objectives of the NAF in ensuring national security.

 Air Marshal Abubakar urged the graduands to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge with innovation, focus, determination, and discipline, emphasising his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritize the health and well-being of personnel in order to bequeath a healthy and agile fighting force that is ready to tackle the current security challenges in the nation. He commended the leadership of the School for a job weldone.

The Chief of Medical Services (CMS), AVM Anthony Ekpe commended the CAS for his dedication to advancing deliberate training and mission-focused force development within NAF. He highlighted the tangible benefits of this initiative, particularly in areas of capacity building for the medical personnel, providing essential allowances, accreditation of the NAF School of Nursing, and enhancing public health and humanitarian services.

 The CMS encouraged the graduates to uphold the ethos of quality healthcare provision and strive for excellence in their respective medical specialties. He emphasized that demonstrating patriotism, discipline, and dedication to their duties is the most meaningful way to honour the substantial investment made in their training by the NAF.

 In his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFSMSAM, Air Commodore Rilwanu Abdullahi emphasized that the courses’ strategic design is to equip the participants with essential knowledge and skills to operate as supervisors in their various medical specialties, while also qualified them for a high skill level for career progression in the NAF.

 The Commandant revealed that the School has trained four sets of upgrading courses since inception as the gathering witnessed the graduation of the fifth set. He further stated that with the unwavering support of the CAS, the school will soon commence regular allied medical courses.

The Commandant expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff for approving the integration of the Air Mobile and First Aid Unit (AMFAU) with NAFSMSAM.

The AMFAU is a life support and emergency training unit established by the German Technical Assisstance Group (GTAG) to enhance realistic training programmes for both medical and non-medical personnel in both emergency medical response and tactical combat casualty care. 

 The Commandant expressed confidence that the services provided by AMFAU will be extended to sister services, cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Universities, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Polytechnics, Civil Organisations, and Governmental Institutions in order to enhance their emergency response capabilities.

Highlights of the graduation ceremony featured a short demonstration by the graduating students on Airway Management, CPR, techniques, Combat Patient Assessment utilizing MARCH sequence, and an overview of the 12 golden steps in managing medical emergencies. Noteworthy achievers among the graduands also received awards in recognition of their outstanding performance in various courses.