By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Mbarara
In what was termed as shedding off stress, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) Nurses and Midwives spent best part of their time at Italiano Bar and Restaurant in Mbarara City attending their get together party.
The event was graced by the hospital Administration, Heads of Department, Senior Doctors among others.
The goers never missed out on motivational talk from Maureen Kahima, a Counselling Psychologist and Deputy Dean of Students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
She advised the nurses and midwives to start preparing for retirement on the first day of receiving appointment letters and not to fall victims of financial indiscipline that has taken a toll on the saving culture of most Ugandans.
This is qualified by the 2020 Financial Capability Survey conducted by Bank of Uganda which revealed that out of about 50 percent of Ugandans save money, 40 percent, save for immediate consumption, with only 20 percent saving towards achieving a specific life goal.
If we are to go by these statistics, one would conclude that 40% of Ugandans may find it rough years after being sent into the world of retirement.
Kahima noted that it’s thus worthwhile for nurses and midwives to wisely use their time and rather invest in alternative income generating projects while still in service and energetic.
Shalon Atuhaire, the Chairperson Organizing Committee and Midwife at MRRH welcomed the motivational speaker’s sermon as she urged fellow staff to pull one another’s hand.
She appreciated the administration for supporting nurses in different fields and asked the hospital administration to extend a hand in organizing such ceremonies where staff are given new tips outside their profession.
Mrs Rhoda Tumugumye the Coordinator of Uganda nurses and Midwives Union, Ankole branch applauded the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Director Dr Celestine Barigye for rallying behind the welfare of nurses and midwives.
According to Sr Rhoda, Dr Barigye has been tolerant to the union members even when they are lobbying for the rights of health workers.
The Heads of Departments (HoDs) were represented by Dr Musa Kayondo, the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MRRH asked health workers to be professional.
He warned against health workers who spend most of their time on social media instead of paying attention to patients.
“For me, if I am in theatre operating even if you call how many times I will never pick you. In the process of speaking on phone you might leave gauze inside and the mother loses life. You will be accused of negligence”, he said.
The Hospital Senior Principal Nursing Officer Juliet Ankunda called upon the nurses and midwives to refrain themselves from corrupt acts which endanger lives of patients.
