OPM employees urged on regular medical check-ups

KAMPALA - Prime Minister's under-secretary executive and senior private secretary Rose Alenga has urged employees to always do regular medical checkups.

“Health checkups, general counselling and physical activities are vital to all of us for our wellness. Mental and emotional health challenges should not be ignored,” Alenga said on December 9, 2024, during the OPM medical camp in Kampala.

Alenga noted that confidential counselling services among the staff is key and that helps the staff to navigate personal or professional challenges.

“We need to regularly do medical checkups. By doing so, we can create a healthier and more supportive work environment,” Alenga said.

Alenga passed on her message through a speech that was read by John Kalule a staff at OPM during the one-day medical camp.

Alenga noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and respiratory diseases are on the rise globally and in Uganda.

She added that these diseases now account for a significant portion of health-related challenges, often linked to unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, and limited physical activity.

“This health camp is timely and critical for raising awareness about these conditions, encouraging preventive measures, and fostering a culture of wellness within our workplace. Let us take advantage of the sessions and screenings available today to learn more about safeguarding our health and improving our quality of life,” Alenga said.

Patricia Elizabeth Lakidi the undersecretary of Finance and Administration inspects some of the medical stations at OPM. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

Patricia Elizabeth Lakidi, the undersecretary of finance and administration from OPM who represented permanent secretary Dunstan Balaba, noted that they organised the health camp because as OPM, they thought this is a very good way to end a year with all their staff knowing their health statuses.

“The health camp is aimed at preparing the OPM staff for a new year. We have organized this camp so as to empower our staff and make sure that we are ahead of 2025,” Lakidi said.

She noted that since December is known as the World’s AIDs month, OPM decided to organize a health camp as a way to commemorate World AIDs day.

“At the camp, the doctors are carrying out HIV and AIDs testing, cancer screening, eye testing, diabetes testing, TB testing among other diseases,” Lakidi said, adding that their partners are also taking the OPM staff through nutrition studies, and health insurance among others.

Lakidi noted that because of the high cost of products, and mental health cases, Ugandans need to do regular medical checkups.