The recent intake for nurses at Makerere University calls for an explanation. Government could only sponsor 15 students to study nursing. Makerere University itself had room for only three students for private sponsorship. A total of 18 students! Is it government policy to discourage the training of nurses?
The most urgent task facing Uganda and Africa as a whole is producing enough Human Resource for Health (HRH). Uganda’s health indicators call for urgent action. Infant mortality rate is 88 per 1,000 live births. Under-five mortality rate is 152 per 1,000 live births. Maternal rates is 505 per 100,000. Our population is characterised by high levels of poverty, illiteracy, poor nutrition, poor hygiene and unemployment.
Uganda has a deficit of 30,000 nurses. Of the few that are available, 67% are hosted in the central region which is home to only 27% of our population. Yet government is constructing nursing training institutions in Kampala. If doctors can be trained in Mbarara and Gulu why can’t nurses be trained there? We have 21 million people in rural areas being served by only 33% of the nurses! Some health centres that were constructed several years ago are not operating due to the lack of nurses. Yet 70% of the disease burden in the villages could be handled by nurses. Are we surprised by the increase of witchdoctors who sacrifice our children? Who else is attending to people’s health needs? At least 2.5 health workers per 100,000 inhabitants are needed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Uganda receives over $1bn as remittances from Ugandans in the diaspora, compared to $730 million from donors. Britain needs 250,000 nurses while USA needs over one million nurses to meet their projected shortfall. A nurse in USA can earn as much as $40,000 p.a. With high unemployment, even among graduates, why has Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) ignored developing such a market?
Since money is needed to run the University, why does Makerere University provide room for only three students to study nursing who pay over sh8m as tuition fees? Is it because the course is not in demand or the fee structure is not cost-effective?
Given that 38% of our people live below poverty line, how can these parents be expected to pay over sh8m for tuition alone to enable their children to study nursing? This paradox needs clarification. Our elected leaders can help us follow the logic behind their decision.
The writer is the former secretary for mass mobilisation, Mbarara District
