By Watchdog reporter
Doctors under their umbrella body Uganda Medical Association (UMA) have resolved to stage a massive industrial action at all public hospitals beginning next month.
Doctors voted to strike during an extraordinary meeting held at Mulago hospital in Kampala on Monday.
All doctors voted to strike starting November 6, with one disagreeing.
They want government to review their salaries as well as enhance their allowances, including for overtime, housing, transport, medical risk, and retention as some of their demands.
“We have waited since 1996 and that is why we are saying enough is enough…it is not yet Uhuru (independence) for medical doctors. Those who don’t want the strike should just enter their (Toyota Land Cruisers)Prados and drive away,” said Dr Ekwaro Obuku, UMA president.
The disgruntled doctors want medical officer or teaching assistant to be paid Shs15 million and accorded a two-bedroom house and a 2.5cc vehicle.
A senior consultant doctor or professor to be the highest paid health work with a gross salary of Shs48m plus allowances. These will be accompanied by a five-bedroom house, 4.0cc vehicle, and three domestic workers.
The doctors also want salaries for nurses and midwives enhanced to about Shs6.5 million besides a three-bedroomed house, 2.0cc vehicle and one domestic worker as well as intern doctor to earn Shs8.5million as opposed to the current Shs960,000 before tax.
