Medical graduates promise to put service before self

Nov 28, 2021

The graduates took the oath on Friday during the fourth graduation ceremony at MIHS.

Prof. Samuel Luboga (C), the chairperson Education service commission while cutting a cake with Eng. Proscovia Njuki (3rd left), Dr. Eve Kasirye (4th right), Edith Akankwasa (3rd right) the principal

Julius Luwemba
Journalist @New Vision

Following a sit-down strike of medical workers in various public health facilities recently, medical graduates at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS) expressed readiness to work under current terms and conditions saying, their profession is a calling that requires to put patients first. 

Whereas most of the graduates did not judge their seniors in the field who took a sit-down strike as an option, they expressed no interest in joining any strike as a means of demanding higher pay.

The graduates took the oath on Friday during the fourth graduation ceremony at MIHS which was held at their campus in Lweza along Entebbe Road in Wakiso district. 

Prof. Samuel Luboga handing over an excellence award to Ronald Mbidde Kamoga, one of the outstanding students for his performance, leadership and positive influence during the fourth graduation ceremony

Prof. Samuel Luboga handing over an excellence award to Ronald Mbidde Kamoga, one of the outstanding students for his performance, leadership and positive influence during the fourth graduation ceremony

"With loyalty, we shall devote ourselves to the welfare of those committed to our care, and we fully acknowledge the seriousness of the responsibility that we accept in this calling and the significance of this pledge," they swore in unison.

Ronald Mbidde, who graduated in clinical medicine and had been awarded for his outstanding performance said, most of the graduates had been doing internships from public health centres and, therefore, witnessed the tough working conditions for medics.

"However, I still cannot join a sit-down strike because, on the other hand, I have seen how people struggle to get medical services," noted Mbidde.

Asaph Okwakunzire, who graduated with a diploma in medical laboratory technology, implored fellow graduates to foster discipline while carrying out their profession. 

Underscoring the importance of medics amidst the challenges they face while executing their duties, Okwakunzire implored authorities to address all medical concerns. 

He, however, called upon fellow graduates to always consider the lives of those they ought to save before laying down tools.

Some of the graduands during the fourth graduation ceremony of Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Some of the graduands during the fourth graduation ceremony of Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Over 400 graduate in health fields

Edith Akwankwasa, the principal for MIHS said, 439 students completed their certificates, diplomas and degrees in fields of clinical medicine and community health, nursing and midwifery, medical laboratory technology, nutrition and clinical diabetes, medical records and health informatics, paediatric palliative care, public health, counselling plus health and social systems management.

"They have been adequately prepared to meet the needs of communities and individuals whom they ought to serve," noted Akankwasa. 

The principal expressed optimism that the fields in which the graduates have specialised are needed now and in the foreseeable future more than ever before. "The global COVID-19 pandemic has stretched the human resources for health to limits never imagined and therefore, hope that we shall be able to contribute to the health workforce," added Akankwasa.

A total of 439 students graduated in different science disciplines at Mildmay Institute of Sciences

A total of 439 students graduated in different science disciplines at Mildmay Institute of Sciences

Prof. Rev. Dr Samuel Luboga, the chairperson for the education service commission who was invited as a chief guest said, education is important to families of respective graduates just as it is to the development of Uganda. 

"The fields of study you have undertaken are relevant in the new national development agenda. The roles which health care workers perform are not limited to saving lives but also, are far-reaching socio-economic development impact," noted Prof. Luboga, imploring the graduates to see themselves as development partners to their families and the country as a whole.

"Apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired, to change the way things are done. This is not going to be always easy but I hope that your allegiance to the Hippocratic Oath you have taken and to the gratitude inculcated in you, will keep you focused," implored the chairperson of the education service commission. Dr Eve Kasirye.

On the other hand, Eng. Proscovia Njuki, the board representative said, Mildmay Institute continues to contribute to the reduction of the human resource gap in Uganda's health sector by nurturing and developing health care workers and leaders who will manage the rapidly changing health care needs of communities in the country and beyond. 

"Together with the ministry of education and sports among other strategic ministries, we strive to develop competent and ethical health professionals who have the right attitude to work. This is fundamental in building and sustaining an efficient health system," she argued.

The function was physically attended by a selected few graduates, parents and invited guests while others were following the proceedings online.

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