Nebbi doctors defy strike 

Nov 17, 2017

The doctors laid down tools on Monday, November 6 to push for better pay and working conditions.

 

Medical doctors from Nebbi hospital have defied the ongoing strike called under their umbrella organization, Uganda Medical Association (UMA). 

The doctors laid down tools on Monday, November 6 to push for better pay and working conditions. 

A nurse at the hospital who spoke to New Vision on condition of anonymity said the doctors at the hospital are working normally.  

Nebbi hospital has three medical officers including the hospital superintendent.

"As I talked now, the two doctors are busy in the theatre and they have been working all this time," the nurse said.

A number of patients New Vision spoke to also corroborate the nurse's statement, saying they are satisfied with the work the doctors are doing at the hospital.

Issa Rajab, who is battling stomach complication, said that he was not aware of the doctors' strike.

"I don't understand this strike thing by the doctors, maybe in another hospital because a doctor has been treating me," he said.

Janet Giramia, a resident of Pubidhi, in Nebbi municipal whose daughter is admitted in children's ward said she has been visited twice by a doctor since admission on Wednesday.

"The doctors are attending to us, I came here on Wednesday and they have been able to visit me twice," she said.

Dr. Justine Okwairwoth, the Nebbi hospital superintendent was not available for comment as was reportedly in a meeting with other management staff.

Geoffrey Okaka, the Nebbi Chief Administrative Officer, urged the health workers to continue providing services to the people.

 "Please refer to the ongoing strikes, my medical officers. This is to inform you that the association is in talks with the government and common position will be reached soon," Okaka said.

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