In preparation for the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament in Tanzania, the Secretariat for Medical Services and Anti Doping in Sports has put in place critical measures to ensure swift emergency response for players.
Dr. Christina Lwambano, Secretary of the Secretariat, revealed that a dedicated helicopter equipped as an air ambulance will be available throughout the competition.
The helicopter can transport up to three patients simultaneously, ensuring rapid transfer to hospitals in case of serious injuries or medical emergencies.
“This air ambulance will be deployed whenever there is an urgent need to evacuate injured players to hospital quickly. It offers a faster alternative to road transport, eliminating delays caused by traffic congestion,” Dr. Lwambano explained.
In addition to emergency transport, strict anti doping protocols will be enforced. For every match played, four players two from each team will be randomly selected for sample collection to ensure compliance with doping regulations.
Moreover, four fully equipped medical rooms have been prepared to provide on-site health services to players during matches.
These facilities meet the stringent standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring the commitment to player welfare throughout the tournament.