By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Kampala
This move aims to reduce costs and improve access to medical services for patients in regional hospitals in Uganda.
The Uganda Medical Board presides over referrals of patients abroad for medical treatment and recommends retirement of public servants on medical grounds. By the resolution of senior top management of the Ministry of Health, retirement on medical grounds for public servants has been delegated to regional medical boards based at regional referral hospitals.
Accordingly, the Minister for Health has appointed regional medical boards at every referral hospital. This move is aimed at improving the processing of requests and to reduce costs for applicants by avoiding the requirement to travel to Kampala for examination by the Uganda Medical Board.
“Decentralizing services will create a more responsive and efficient health services system by bringing services closer to the people,” said Dr. Henry G Mwebesa, the Director General Health Services in the Ministry of Health.
The shift to regional medical boards will also mean the distribution of medical experts across the country, thereby improving service delivery in regional hospitals. This move will also enable local medical boards to better appreciate the medical challenges within their catchment areas and work towards addressing them.
The decentralization of the Uganda Medical Board services will undoubtedly ensure better access to health facilities for patients in the regions. It is hoped that all stakeholders will cooperate to ensure that this ambitious plan becomes a reality.
