The Ministry of Health (MOH) has expressed concern over the high levels of absenteeism of health workers in various government facilities despite enhancing their salaries.
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services, shared their observations during a recent supervision tour of selected hospitals across the country, stating that dedication to work has not changed despite improving remuneration.
Mwebesa revealed a specific case at a referral hospital, saying, “Even despite the salary increases, we found a consultant who works only twice a week, and medical interns under his supervision have to receive guidance from him using WhatsApp.
” Doctors’ salaries were increased from Shillings 3 million to Shillings 5.4 million, while Consultants now earn Shillings 12 million per month.
Mwebesa made these remarks during a dissemination meeting held by researchers at Makerere University who were releasing findings of a study analyzing the implementation of reproductive, maternal, new, and adolescent health policies in hospitals.
Dr. Emmanuel Odongo, a Researcher and Gynecologist at Makerere University, reported that in addition to doctors’ absenteeism, their study uncovered issues with the distribution of maternal and reproductive health commodities, such as medicines, not following policy guidelines.
Odongo cited an example, saying, “Mosquito nets were being distributed to pregnant women at their last antenatal visit, contrary to guidelines that stipulate they should receive them on the first visit.” He also highlighted that some passed Ministry guidelines lacked monitoring and evaluation plans, leading to their neglect.
The researchers found that policy implementation was often influenced by politicians rather than scientific evidence. Jessica Nsungwa, the Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, partly attributed the non-implementation of policies to local governments.
She explained, “Sometimes the policies and guidelines are sent to District Health Officers but never reach the health facilities.”
Prof. Charles Ibingira, the Principal Investigator of the study, emphasized the need for the government to communicate clear targets to hospital managers and health workers.
He expressed concern, stating, “What I can say is that without clear targets, policies are implemented piecemeal, and doctors continue to work without specific goals, which keeps the country lagging.”
Meanwhile, researchers concluded that while Uganda has made some progress in maternal, child, and newborn health indicators, the situation remains concerning.
The recent Uganda Demographic Health Survey reported maternal mortality rates at 189 per 100,000 live births. Achieving the 2030 health targets continues to pose a significant challenge for the country