Presiding over International Nurse Day celebrations at Kyamate Secondary School grounds in Ntugamo Municipality, President Yoweri Museveni called for patience from nurses and midwives among other public servants with assurances that government is committed to gradual enhancement of their remuneration.
The President added that it was not wise for government to spend the biggest proportion of the national revenue on salaries and forget developing the country’s infrastructure that forms the backbone of the national economic development.
He reminded them that salary increment cannot be done at the expense of the country’s development programmes arguing that only a better national economy can guarantee the sustainability and progress of any nation.
Museveni further called on the nurses to focus on service delivery above self, saying that the economy is still growing and cannot accommodate all their demands. He revealed that issues such as roads and extension of electricity are also key and consume a big percentage of the national budget.
Health minister Dr Ruth Aceng said there are plans to continue training more nurses in the country. Although over 6,000 nurses are trained annually in Uganda there is still a significant short fall – with 1 nurse serving 11000 people in the country.
She also commended the commitment of nurses and midwives in service delivery noting that their resolve and commitment has seen the country register commendable progress, especially in wrestling down maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Chairman of the Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Union, Justus Cherop commended President Museveni and the government for the 30% salary enhancement to the nurses and midwives. He also lauded the government for recognising the good work of nurses and midwives evidenced by awarding them 71 medals. He called for more sponsorship of nurses and midwives to get specialised training and better their knowledge for quality service delivery.
On May 12, countries around the world come together to celebrate the International Nurses Day (IND). The celebrations were held under the theme “Nurses a voice to lead – health is a human right”.
The President also pledged that government will give lunch allowance to all nurses and midwives in government hospitals as a way of motivating them and enhancing health service delivery.
