NEWS: Govt doctors protest poor pay

Govt doctors protest poor pay

Monday, 6th April, 2009 from NEW VISION

Senior medical doctors have petitioned the minister over the Government’s failure to increase salaries and allowances for doctors working in the public health service. The petition, signed by 66 doctors, was yesterday handed to health minister Dr. Stephen Mallinga at the ministry headquarters. Dr. Tom Mwambu, the president of Uganda Medical Association, accompanied by seven doctors, presented the petition. The team comprised Dr. Margaret Mungherera (mobilisation), Dr. Frederick Mutyaba (welfare), Dr. Daniel Zaake (deputy vice-president) and Dr. Edward Ddumba, the executive director of Mulago Hospital. “The new districts have been most affected with up to 90% not being successful in attracting doctors to take up medical officer posts” the petition read. “It is estimated that more than 60% of doctors in Uganda leave the country to work elsewhere within five years of graduating,” the petition added. Mwambu said their team had agreed to meet the minister next week to discuss ways of improving their remuneration, recruitment and retention of health workers. Mwambu said many doctors had been absorbed by the neighbouring countries especially Rwanda where they are paid better. He said doctors in the public service were stressed by a heavy workload. “One doctor undertakes work that should be done by six doctors,” Mwambu added. He said they would present a similar petition to Parliament Mungherera said they would not go on strike although there was a go- slow strike as more doctors leave for greener pastures.