By Richard Onapatum
RUKUNGIRI: President Yoweri Museveni has today cautioned medical practitioners against being influenced by selfish political elements that hinder the development and transformation of the country.
“I call upon the entire medical fraternity to resist ideological disorientation from selfish political elements that cannot benefit the development and transformation of our nation,” he said.
The president’s message was delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during celebrations marking International Nurses’ and Midwives’ Day in Rukungiri district today. The event was organized under the theme, “Nurses, a Critical Force in Health Care Delivery.”
President Museveni emphasized the vital role of nurses and midwives worldwide, acknowledging them as a critical force in health care delivery, as highlighted by the day’s theme.
“Every day, nurses and midwives are on the frontlines of administering and evaluating patient treatment, advocating for better facilities, and comprehensively moderating progress. Their lives are at risk at their stations of duty, yet they endeavor to alleviate suffering and save lives, maintaining constant communication with doctors to ensure quality care,” he said.
He assured nurses and midwives that their efforts are highly valued, not just on this day but every day, recognizing them as a formidable force in restoring patients’ health.
“You are change-makers and deserve recognition not just on a single day like this but countless times daily,” President Museveni said.
He stressed the continuous importance of midwives, highlighting their essential role in caring for pregnant mothers before, during, and after delivery. He commended them for their contribution to human existence and population growth.
The president noted that Uganda’s overall health status has been steadily improving, with significant declines in mortality rates as reported by the 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS). Neonatal mortality has decreased from 27 per 1,000 live births to 22 per 1,000, infant mortality from 43 per 1,000 live births in 2016 to 36 per 1,000 in 2022, under-five mortality from 64 per 1,000 live births in 2016 to 52 per 1,000, and maternal mortality from 336 per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 189 per 100,000 in 2022. The proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel has also risen from 74% in 2016 to 88% in 2022.
He thanked the Ministry of Health for its oversight and direction to the medical fraternity, including nurses and midwives.
“This day highlights the dedicated service that the entire medical fraternity has been offering in the country. It is a great contribution to our nation’s growth because we need to be in good health to contribute gainfully to our economic growth,” the president said.
President Museveni acknowledged the challenges faced by the country, including insecurity, limited resources, disease outbreaks, and pandemics. He commended nurses for their dedication and willingness to save lives, particularly during the tough period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Red Eyes outbreak.
“We saw you working tirelessly, risking your lives to save your brothers and sisters during the COVID-19 wave, and you are doing so again now with the recent Red Eyes outbreak. You are commended for meeting the expectations of your profession,” he said.
He pledged that the government will continue to take deliberate steps to ensure Uganda’s health sector makes significant advancements, providing good health services, alternative medications, and specialized treatments.
Regarding personal growth, President Museveni highlighted the many avenues for self-employment across several sectors under the “Operation Wealth Creation” and “Parish Development Model” programs. He called upon medics to participate and be productive, ensuring they uplift the economic status of their families. The vice president used the occasion to hand over certificates to nurses who have exhibited exemplary service to humanity. She thanked the nurses and midwives body for recognizing her mother, Akol Bernadette, during last year’s commemorations in Soroti district.
