Doctors to strike, again!

Doctors have said they will go on strike starting December 16 because some ministry of Health officials are sabotaging them in their quest to have a better health system.

Speaking to The Nile Post, Dr Ekwaro Obuku, the president of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) said while the agreement to call off the industrial action last month was based on agreed upon principles, these have been abused by the ministry.

They say they will go on a 100-day strike unless something is done to rectify the situation.

Last month's doctors' strike was called off after the government pledged to address their demands that included improved welfare of intern doctors and senior house officers, disbanding of the health monitoring unit, a  Shs 41 billion supplementary budget for drugs and medical supplies and enhancing salaries of doctors.

"We have heard that ministry of health is now opting to pay  just a few senior housing officers ignoring the work and commitment availed by the rest, this is not  what we agreed upon

But Sarah Opendi, the minister of state for Health (General Duties) said the ministry had reversed this position.

Dr Obuku said their pending industrial action is also influenced by continued lack of supplies and drugs in government hospitals.

Obuku revealed that they had written to the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda expressing dissatisfaction in the way their matters have been handled by the ministry of Health.