Gov't pays off Intern doctors, strike called off

Dec 09, 2018

Over 900 intern doctors laid down their tools on November 26 protesting government’s failure to pay their monthly allowances.

STRIKE

Intern doctors have called off a sit down strike that had paralysed health services in hospitals across the country.

Over 900 intern doctors laid down their tools on November 26 protesting government's failure to pay their monthly allowances.

Speaking in an interview on phone the  health ministry senior public relations officer, Emmanuel Ainebyoona said, all internship centres have been paid allowances and hospital heads were free to pay in cash and later account for the funds.

He however said the intern doctors who refused to go to the  health facilities where they were deployed have not yet been paid.

The president of Intern doctors Dr Joel Mirembe also confirmed that majority of the intern doctors have received their allowances and resumed work. He however said only eleven intern doctors working with Mulago National Referral hospital including himself have not yet received their allowances.

For those who have not been paid allowances , the hospital management of Mulago Hospital has promised us  that they are processing the payments and that by Wednesday next week everyone will be sorted .'' Mirembe  said

The intern doctors graduated from the universities as general practitioners with major competence in four disciplines including internal medicine, pediatrics and child health, obstetrics and gynecology as well as surgery.

Among other demands which led to their strike, included lack of medical supplies in health facilities, lack of accommodation and transport among others.

According to a temporary appointment letter issued by the health ministry  each intern is supposed to get sh11, 400,000 per year.

Mirembe noted that 80% of the interns are not accommodated and yet they are working 24 hours. They also complained of working overtime when they are not paid.

Mirembe said some interns were risking being hit by iron bar hitmen because they leave work very late.

Last week Mulago Hospital's administrator David Niwamanya said the strike did not affect them adding that they were using their doctors, nurses and house officers (Doctors doing masters) who were already working at the facility.

Officials at Kirruddu Hospital admitted that the allowances for medical interns delayed a bit but the doctors were working. 

 

 

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