By Patricia Turyahebwa,
KYANKWANZI
The Assistant Commissioner of Health services in the Ministry of Health Dr. Alfred Driwale has tipped medics to use their medical knowledge while offering patient care if the future of health care service in Uganda is to be shaped in a better way.
He said“always use your brain to solve societal problems because if you don’t take your responsibilities seriously, then you will find it hard out there,” said Driwale.
Driwale who was representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr.Diana Atwine made the remarks while addressing medical practitioners who are currently undergoing a patriotism development course and ideological training at the National Institute of Leadership( NALI) in Kyankwanzi district.
He explained that every professional medic should possess the knowledge and science to explain whatever they do including examinations, investigations and prescriptions.
“Iam sure you have seen medics who put cannulas at the joints and those who use a dry cotton wool while injecting a patient and you should watch out.”he added
Driwale further urged the medics to stick on to their professional ethics in order to avoid falling into a trap of conflicts.
“I want to appeal to you too to hold on to your ethics by remaining trustworthy and as confidential as you can. They will bring for you documents like death, birth, DNA certificates to falsify, kindly do not fall a victim because of small tokens of money. You should embrace your work with curiosity, passion and dedication.”
“Stop communicating insensitively about patients because even when the patient is in a coma, they can pick some words which may affect their lives in a negative way.” he explained
Talking about the ideological training that is ongoing at Kyankwanzi Dr.Driwale cautioned the medics to avoid tendencies like where do I benefit from emphasizing that it is their role to execute their roles with love and care.
“Some of you don’t have the time to talk to patients but you don’t know how they suffer every time we ignore them. Endeavor to explain to patients because how you treat them is more than the prescription you give to them.”Driwale noted
Organized by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC)under the able leadership of Commissioner Ms Hellen Seku, the training that has attracted over 200 medics will ran for ten days.
Speaking to the trainees, Seku applauded them for showing the desire and zeal to go through ideological training before they are sent to the public to serve.
“It is a patriotic move where individuals interest themselves in learning, unlearning and relearning and I have faith that once you are through with this training, you will be a dedicated team ready to serve the public with love and passion.”Seku noted
On the part of the trainees, Jackline Namutebi has recognized the training urging that it will help them as fresh medics to conduct themselves and patients with diligence, respect and care.
