UPDF deploys military doctors to handle emergencies as Doctors’ strike continues

The army spokesperson Brig.Richard Karemire has confirmed the army will deploy military doctors in hospitals to handle emergencies as the medical doctors’ strike continues.

In meeting with the cabinet committee appointed to look into their demands held on Wednesday, medical workers expressed disappointment that government is not committed to addressing their demands adding that they would continue with their industrial action.

However, according to Brig.Karemire, the UPDF will deploy in hospitals so as to provide the critical emergency services to patients.

“It will not be a big team. We will provide what we can without depleting our capacity with ten medics for the start for hospitals in Kampala,” Brig. Karemire told the Nile Post.

“Our teams in upcountry stations will beef up hospitals close to their units.”

According to the UPDF mouthpiece, the move comes on the backdrop of a request by the Ministry of Health for reinforcement from the army in hospitals following the strike by medical workers around the country.

With over 1000 doctors on strike one would wonder what ten medics will do but according to Brig.Karemiere the ten army medics will not be enough to serve the entire Kampala region adding they hope government and medics will soon reach a consensus on resuming work before the situation escalates.

“When need arises we shall also have to recall our twenty medics currently in Kaweweeta whom we recruited in the previous exercise,” he added.

He said these would be deployed when the logistical issues are completed, since most of them come from upcountry units. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Uganda Medical Association President Dr.Ekwaro Obuku said they continue providing emergency services to patients despite the ongoing industrial action over payment and better working conditions.