Report of UNIDO’s training programme on maintenance of electronic and computer assisted biomedical equipmentThis training programme in the field of Maintenance of Biomedical Electronic and Computer Assisted Equipment is one of UNIDO’s in-plant group training programmes for engineers from developing countries and is an updated version of similar courses successfully carried out in Budapest in the years from 1975 to 1994. This year’s programme was organised in co-operation with the Hungarian National Committee for UNIDO, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, and several Hungarian industrial enterprises. The objective of the programme was to upgrade the participants’ practical experience and professional knowledge in the field of maintenance, calibration of electronic and computer assisted biomedical equipment in a comparatively short time of four weeks. This was accomplished by providing the participants with the guidance of experienced university and company experts. The training was covered by the Technical University of Budapest, Dept. Measurement and Information Systems, Siemens Ltd, Hungarian Institute of Cardiology, ASKIT Ltd, Lasram Laser Ltd, Medicor X-Ray Ltd, Ikonix Ltd, Mediso Ltd and the National Institute for Hospital and Medical Engineering. At each enterprise the programme consisted of theoretical and practical training, with great emphasis on the practical part. Important concepts of computer assisted equipment of biomedical engineering were the topics of the lectures and practices. To homogenise and brush up the knowledge of participants, the training in industry was preceded by a one week skill development programme at the Technical University of Budapest to cover the most important topics of electronics, measurements, instrumentation, computer technique and networks. The participants all came from Africa, in harmony with this year’s preference set by UNIDO. The following countries were represented:
The costs of the course are covered by the Hungarian government, as part of the Hungarian contribution to UNIDO. Participants are selected by a board of experts, including officials of UNIDO, the Hungarian Ministry for Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Hungarian chief organiser. As a person who participated in nearly all the training courses since 1975 I dare say that this year’s course was the best of all. The course was modernised in 1994 and the concept set out 3 years ago proved to be appropriate. Both the organisation and the activity and enthusiasm of the participants as well as the tutors was excellent. Akos Jobbagy, PhD, Associate Professor Email: jobbagy@mmt.bme.hu | ||||||||||||||||