Uganda: External Forces Misleading Medical Interns to Strike, Baryomunsi Tells Parliament
[Nile Post] Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has accused unnamed "external forces" of encouraging medical interns not to report to their deployment stations as a standoff over their welfare threatens to escalate into industrial action.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi accused unnamed external forces of encouraging medical interns to avoid reporting to their assigned deployment stations, as a dispute over their welfare escalates. This comes after the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) threatened industrial action if the government fails to address their concerns within 14 days.
Baryomunsi stated that the government is consulting stakeholders on new policy measures to improve the welfare of interns, urging them to return to their posts during these consultations. However, he suggested that the decision by some interns to stay away was influenced by external forces. UMA has demanded a monthly allowance of Shs4 million for each intern, along with other basic needs, and a guarantee of payment for arrears owed.
Baryomunsi emphasized that the internship is crucial for aspiring professionals, but disputed claims that interns are running the health system, stating that healthcare is provided by various medical professions. The dispute has raised concerns in Parliament, with UMA continuing to support the interns' demands for adequate support and facilitation.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
