The Uganda Medical Association has warned government against the ongoing medical intern students’ strike.
According to a letter by UmA president Dr. Richard Idro, dated May 18, dircted to Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the secretary general health, association has expressed support to. a decision by the Medical Interns to lay down their tools of work due to governments failure to meet their demands.
“The Uganda Medical Association supports and stand by the medical Interns in their quest to obtain a decent pay and decent living conditions.” Dr. Idro said noting that “It’s unacceptable that our young professionals should live and work under the current conditions” the letter reads in part.
He appealed to gov’t to pay a minimum standards, costed and that government makes available funding with requisite supervisors, equipment and facilities.
“This is critical for patients’ safety and quality health services for the population and the future of health services in the country” Idro wrote.
In 2019, the President had directed that the salaries for the scientists be increased so that they are given Ugx 5M as entry payment and Ugx 17M for consultants, which was supposed to start in the 2021/22 financial year but but his proposal disappeared in thin air.
Dr Idro disclosed that UMA Executive Committee yesterday resolved to support the medical Interns in their quest to demand for proper living wage.
