By; Charles Katabalwa
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has finally received a commitment letter from the government which could act as a basis to ending a strike that has paralyzed operations in the government hospitals for three weeks now.
The commitment later, whose contents are still held in secrecy, is alleged to have been signed by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
According to UMA President Dr Obuku Ekwaro, they have reached a win-win consensus after a series of meetings with President Museveni and the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
Dr Obuku Ekwaro says that the letter will be unveiled before the general assembly this Saturday which will then decide the next course of action for the striking medical personnel.
Medical doctors laid down their tools on November 6th to compel the government to give them a pay rise, improve their welfare and working conditions.
They are demanding improved remunerations, disbandment of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, which they claim has continued harassing them and a review of supply chain management of medicines, vaccines and medical supplies.
Government is committed to creating a pool worth two billion Shillings for doctor’s allowances, improve doctor’s remuneration by paying a starting salary of 5 million shillings for doctors with effect from next financial year and provide a surplus budget as well as regularizing intern doctors in the government payroll.
Dr Obuku says they have trusted the government in its commitment adding that government can bank on the same trust to improve Uganda’s health sector and see even government officials seeking treatment from government hospitals.
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