The ministry of Health has appealed to the Senior House Officers[SHOs] to resume work to minimize effects on service delivery. SHOs are qualified doctors who are training to become specialists while serving in public hospitals.

“We have been discussing with SHOs, they don’t need to go on strike because we are still discussing with the Finance ministry [to release their money]. We don’t want them to use strike as a means to get what they want,” he said.

Dr Mwebesa added: “The strike will disrupt their academic performance. I think it is not the best strategy. They should focus on dialogue, discussion and meeting to address their issues.”

The strike begun yesterday amid recent protests by intern doctors. The SHOs are striking due to their delayed allowances of four to six months yet it is said government plans to stop giving them allowances in the next financial year. According to a 2021 directive given by president Museveni, the SHOs doctors are supposed to get 2.5million per month for sustenance.

Dr. Mwebesa Henry- Director General of Health Services at the ministry made the appeal yesterday at Mulago hospital during the medical camp which will end today.

courtesy photo