Published on 02/12/2024
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, new Chairperson of the Health Service Commission, called for a shift in Uganda’s health sector.
Mwebesa asserted that recent salary increases for medical workers leave no room for poor service delivery. “Improved pay must translate into better care,” he urged, spotlighting patient welfare as a priority. Dr. Mwebesa vowed to hold workers accountable while advocating for better working conditions.
Speaking to the media on Monday after being vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Mwebesa stated, “The President increased our salaries, so the issue isn’t poor wages anymore. A doctor’s pay has risen from UGX 1.8 million to UGX 3.4 million, almost a 300% increase, and nurses have also seen substantial raises. We now expect results commensurate with this pay.”
Mwebesa’s vetting follows the appointment of a seven-member Commission by President Museveni on November 11, 2024. The new team includes Christine Kakuru Kyomuhangi (Vice Chairperson), Nathan Wafula, Mary Namubiru, Peter Stephen Aisu, Janet Apayi and Thomas Ocwa Obua.
Priorities for New Team
Dr. Mwebesa outlined the Commission’s priorities, focusing on optimizing the performance of existing health workers before considering large-scale recruitment. “We want the current workforce to deliver maximum output. While we will recruit in phases, we must first address absenteeism and ensure that those employed are productive,” he said.
He stressed the need for evidence-based performance evaluations, suggesting that future salary adjustments could be linked to output. “What did you do during your shift? Did you serve patients or merely check in and leave? This documentation will determine future pay structures.”
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Mwebesa also highlighted plans to identify human resource gaps and address stagnation among health workers. He pointed out that some medical professionals have gained additional qualifications but remain in old roles.
“We need to prioritize areas with low staffing norms, particularly rural regions. Specialists are also essential in underserved areas. Strengthening supervision and reducing absenteeism will be key to achieving better service delivery,” he explained.
Fighting Corruption
Acknowledging public concerns over corruption in recruitment processes, Mwebesa vowed to maintain transparency and integrity within the Commission. “Corruption during recruitment is unacceptable. Commission members are paid well, and there’s no justification for taking bribes. We will do everything possible to clean up the sector,” he asserted.
The Health Service Commission, established in 1998, is tasked with recruiting and managing human resources for efficient health service delivery. Mwebesa’s team replaces the former commission led by Dr. Pius Okong.
The appointment of the new team coincides with increased scrutiny of public service recruitment processes, following corruption allegations raised by the Inspectorate of Government. Mwebesa’s leadership promises a renewed focus on accountability and improved health outcomes across Uganda.
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