The Government of Uganda has been given an ultimatum of 21 days to give a clear statement on the salaries of nurses and midwives before they take action.
Through Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union, a professional union that represents nurses and midwives in Uganda, they believe that the new financial year starting in July is the one that should contain their salary increment.
According to Mr Justus Cherop Kiplangat the president of the union, the doctors in Uganda already know that their salary has been increased, and therefore, nurses should be told if their pay is available.
“….at least they should respond to us. The financial year is ending and our colleagues, the doctors, know that a graduate one will earn Shs 5 million but for us a graduate nurse isn’t sure how much she will earn. The diploma nurse doesn’t know how much they will earn in the new financial year. So we have given the government 21 days as the law mandates us to demand our rights through written documents. We want to know our take home in the next financial year.” Mr Justus Cherop Kiplangat was quoted.
While attending the national celebrations to mark the International Day of Nurses and Midwives that was held in Kabale District at Kigezi High School Primary Playground, Mr Kiplangat also noted that the nurses and the midwives are the ones that do most work in the health care system yet they’re underpaid.
According to the circular signed by Mr. Kiplangat, the industrial action may start on 27th May 2022 incase government fails to go by their request.
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, who was the Guest of Honor, represented by Hon Justine Lumumba Kasule the Minister in charge of General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, noted that government of Uganda is committed to ensuring that the midwives and nurses are supported to deliver quality services by enhancement of quality training and introducing necessary technology in the health sector.
She also revealed that the government is aware of the shortage of midwives in the country and that the government is soon addressing the matter.
“As a country we are proud to stand for midwives and their rights, dignity & health for women & newborns.
Government is committed to ensuring midwives are supported to deliver quality midwifery services to all “H.E Jessica Alupo said in a message by Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba
International Day of the Midwife is celebrated annually on 5 May, providing the opportunity to honour the work of midwives, and promote awareness of the crucial care that midwives provide to mothers and their newborns.
According to the 2021 State of the World’s Midwifery report, by the World Health Organization, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the global shortage of midwives stands at 900 000, and is particularly acute in Africa.
This years’ celebration was organized under the theme100 years of progress.
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