His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed a comprehensive plan to support medical professionals in the country including a financial package and job creation initiatives as well as an opportunity to join the Forces in a special arrangement.
Museveni made the remarks on Saturday at State House Entebbe during the pass-out ceremony of 210 post-medical Intern professionals who completed a 10-day patriotism development and leadership course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI-Kyankwanzi) .
President Museveni revealed that the government will set aside billions of shillings in a SACCO or grant form to enable medical professionals to access low-interest loans.
According to the President this initiative aims to empower them to start their own practices and employ others.
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The President also expressed enthusiasm for medical professionals joining forces like the Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF, Uganda Police Force, and Prisons, welcoming their participation.
The Commander in Chief of the UPDF Museveni said that while the typical age limit for recruitment is 26, medical professionals who have spent years studying should be considered up to the age of 29.
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President Museveni emphasized the need for increased funding to address the shortage of medical staff at various levels of health centers. He urged the medical professionals to collaborate with the budget committee of Parliament to create posts at Health Centre III and IV levels.
The Commissioner for National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps Ms Hellen Seku, who brought dynamism to the Patriotism Secretariat since assuming office, was praised by the President for her efforts.
The Commissioner highlighted the significance of ideological training, encouraging the medical practitioners to treat not only physical ailments but also ideological disorientation.
The 210 medical practitioners, who completed their internship training from various health institutions prior to their immediate training in Kyankwanzi were congratulated by President Museveni for their thirst for knowledge. He noted that the country needs more doctors, citing the current doctor-patient ratio and the population growth.
In her remarks, Commissioner Seku assured the President that this group of medics will not demand employment by force but will instead create their own jobs and employ others, thanks to the knowledge gained during the training.
ENDS
