Report unprofessional health workers, communities told
Jan 23, 2007
IT is difficult to discipline health workers because communities are reluctant to report them, Dr. Nathan Kenya Mugisha has said.
By Harriette Onyalla
IT is difficult to discipline health workers because communities are reluctant to report them, Dr. Nathan Kenya Mugisha has said.
Mugisha, Uganda Medical Association president, said some health workers are rude, report to work late or while drunk and charge fees on patients in government hospitals. But his group cannot follow up the matter because of insufficient information, he said.
“When we get wind of complaints, the community is not supportive.
They fear to give information, saying they may be ill-treated when they go back to the hospital.
Although we have no legal instrument to discipline our colleagues, we can counsel them.â€
Mugisha, who is also the Medical Superintendent of Masaka Hospital, said some health workers are affected by poor work conditions. “We are organising a retreat to help us get to the bottom of the problem. But it is an issue of attitude.
“There are health professionals who are overworked and poorly paid.â€
IT is difficult to discipline health workers because communities are reluctant to report them, Dr. Nathan Kenya Mugisha has said.
Mugisha, Uganda Medical Association president, said some health workers are rude, report to work late or while drunk and charge fees on patients in government hospitals. But his group cannot follow up the matter because of insufficient information, he said.
“When we get wind of complaints, the community is not supportive.
They fear to give information, saying they may be ill-treated when they go back to the hospital.
Although we have no legal instrument to discipline our colleagues, we can counsel them.â€
Mugisha, who is also the Medical Superintendent of Masaka Hospital, said some health workers are affected by poor work conditions. “We are organising a retreat to help us get to the bottom of the problem. But it is an issue of attitude.
“There are health professionals who are overworked and poorly paid.â€