We have more doctors in case you need them- Army tells Ministry of Health

Military doctors offered by the army to public hospitals following a doctors’ strike have reported for duty today (Monday).

Speaking to Nile Post,  the director medical service in the UPDF,  Dr Stephen Kusasira says the team has been oriented and ready to take up the task ahead.

The army on Friday flagged off a team of 11 medical personnel to Kirudu Hospital and Kawempe to provide emergency care services.

“They where all oriented on Friday and attached schedules, they will be working with medical team at the wards in the various hospitals,” Dr Kusasira said.

Those attached to Kawempe Mulago include; Dr James Mwebaze, Dr George Ochaya, Dr David Maoba, Dr Patrick Kyambadde, Dr Hawa Katusiime, and Dr Simon Okongo.

Dr Kusasira adds that while the force has only deployed general practitioners, the Force has the capacity to provide as many specialties should they be asked for by the ministry of health.

“So far they have asked us for general practitioners, if and when they want specialists and the come to us we shall avail them. I am a gynaecologist myself but not yet deployed, we have a pool of about 3000 doctors in the army to pick from,” he added.

During the process however the UPDF health facilities will remain open. Kusasira says the Army has about 109 health centers across the country and they are still manned.

“Almost 75% of our clients in these hospitals are civilians so our hospitals will remain functional.”

UPDF officers will not be working alone, there are other medical workers in the facilities that they will be working with.

Ministry of health confirms 11 doctors 30 nurses, 20 clinical officers from UPDF, 4 doctors FROM Uganda police Force, 4 from prisons. These will mainly handle emergency care services as negotiations between government and the striking doctors continue.