Since 1935 Uruguay has been participating in
international peace keeping, as a part of the “Neutral
Military Commission” at the Chaco Boreal, and since
1982, health care professionals have been taking part
in peace keeping missions, as members of the
contingent deployed in the Sinai Peninsula, thus
becoming a constant concern for our country and
demanding a permanent effort in order to achieve the
objective of reducing conflicts in the world as well as
lasting reconciliations.
The practice of medicine in extreme conditions, in
uncommon situations, are an opportunity and a true
challenge on a personal and professional level and
they become a very important part of our technical
growth, both for the individual and for the group and
all this leads to a global benefit for the Institution.
This Technical Direction is proud to program new
activities and organize health care abroad, for our
troops deployed in different mission areas, as well as
for those international members who might need it.
This has been nationally and internationally
appreciated, but above all, it has always been
intended for the service of the human being, justice,
and international cooperation, peace and safety.
In November 2005, the first instance of the Course for
Health Care Professionals taking part in Peace
Keeping Missions was carried out. It was prepared
with the sponsorship of EOPE, and the participation of
Health Care Services from the three Forces. Its
objective is to join current experiences from the
different sections of the Ministry of Defense in order to
offer in an only course, administrative as well as
technical information, which is very important for
those members of the health care team taking part in
UN Peace Keeping Missions.
Let us bear in mind that appart from the First Level of
Health Care currently covered by Uruguay, we have
offered the UN to install and operate a second level
facility in any area assigned to us. Should this be
achieved, the participation of our country in the health
care area in Peace Keeping Missions will certainly be
significantly increased and we must be prepared in a
level of outmost proficiency.
This course which has been already given, has also
had the particular feature of a significant number of
civilian doctors taking part in it.
With these new activities, the Technical Direction of
the Armed Forces National Health Direction seeks to
open up new occupational horizons for our
professionals, thus trying to adapt the work situation
to current difficulties.
Col.(Dr) Gonzalo Fernández
1st Lt. (Dr.) Alejandra González Ogeda