Activists petition over health rights

By Henry Sekanjako

HEALTH activists under the umbrella body Uganda National Health Users and consumer’s organization (UNHCO) have petitioned parliament seeking amendment of the constitution for the inclusion of the right to health.

In their petition to Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga on Wednesday, the activists noted that the current country’s constitutional regime doesn’t explicitly make available a claimable and justifiable right to health.

“We want access to quality health services. Everybody should receive emergency services with or without money. We want a situation where patients can present a case when their health rights have been abused,” said Robin Kaitiritamba the executive director UNHCO.

According to the health activists, the constitutionalisation of the right to health in the supreme law is operationalized by the subordinate legislations only when there is a constitutional provision which they said is absent.

“We are optimistic for a future that upholds the right to health in Uganda. Currently the right to health is just a mention in our constitution. We need a constitution that will promote and protect health rights. The present constitution provides a lee’ way for violation of health rights,” said Denis Odwe the executive director Action group for health.

In her response Speaker Kadaga welcomed the petition saying Ugandans had seen light in demand for their rights.

According to Kadaga, the demand for right to health is a fundamental human right which should be provided by the state.

“We need to wake up on the issue of provision of health services. The issue of health rights has been declining but am happy Ugandans have started to see the light,” said Kadaga.

Kadaga pledged that parliament would consider the petition when it starts working on the constitution amendments which are yet to be tabled before parliament by government.