By Abdullahi Alhassan
The Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), has trained a new set of 47 adept medical personnel following their completion of an intensive four-week training program.
The Chief Of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala 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.
He reaffirmed 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 country.
“This 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 marks 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.
“This strategic training is also aimed at uplifting the proficiency of NAF Medical Services in healthcare delivery both in the field and hospital environments,”Abubakar said.
The CAS said 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.
He urged them to uphold the utmost standards in healthcare delivery as envisioned by the current leadership of the NAF.
Furthermore, the Chief of Medical Services (CMS), AVM Anthony Ekpe commended 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.
He was of the view 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.
Also in his address of welcome, the Commandant of NAFSMSAM, Air Commodore Rilwanu Abdullahi explained that the courses’ strategic design, was to equip the participants with essential knowledge and skills to operate as supervisors in their various medical specialties.
It 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.
With the unwavering support of the CAS, he said, 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.
Highlights of the graduation ceremony included, 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.
Award where given to those who distinguished themselves during the course of study.