Ministry of Health, WHO commended for collaboration in health programs

Mbale: The Bugisu Cultural Institution has commended the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) for consistently involving the institution in several health initiatives across the region.

This recognition was made by Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bugisu Cultural Institution, during a three-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Health and supported by WHO. The workshop, held in Mbale, brought together Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and District Health Officers (DHOs) from over 16 districts in Eastern Uganda.

While addressing participants, Mr. Masiga applauded the Ministry for its outstanding efforts in delivering health services to the people of Bugisu. However, he raised concerns about persistent issues such as maternal mortality, urging the health sector to intensify efforts in this area.

He further cautioned health workers to uphold the Hippocratic Oath, especially in safeguarding patient confidentiality, emphasizing that disclosing medical information is unethical and undermines trust in health services.

Mr. Masiga also called for vigilance in tackling medical negligence, citing cases where lives were lost due to avoidable mistakes. He encouraged medics to familiarize themselves with landmark court rulings on medical negligence, including the case of Sarah Watsemwa vs. Attorney General and Mulago Hospital, where a birth complication arose from premature membrane rupture at five centimeters dilation instead of ten.

He concluded by thanking the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, for equipping Bugisu clan chairpersons with malaria prevention and treatment skills during a recent health training initiative.

Representing Dr. Atwine at the workshop, Dr. John Baptist Woniaye, Commissioner for Ambulance Services, emphasized the importance of discipline among medics, especially discouraging the abuse of drugs by healthcare workers. He called for compassionate rehabilitation and counseling for those struggling with substance abuse.

Dr. Woniaye also urged health administrators to enforce accountability, directing them not to process salary payments for health staff who work less than 15 days a month, as a way of promoting commitment and efficiency in the health workforce.

Mr. Tom Wanasolo, the Planner at Mbale Regional Hospital, served as the rapporteur for the workshop, ensuring documentation of key deliberations and recommendations.

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