The government is embarking on a digitalization journey in the health sector, an initiative aimed at addressing the persistent issue of absenteeism among health workers.
Many public health workers have been absent from their duties, often citing low pay, poor working conditions, and a lack of resources. This situation has raised significant concerns over the shortage of medical personnel in public health, despite efforts by the Ministry of Health to expand access to specialized healthcare.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, attributes absenteeism among public health workers to multiple employment opportunities. She emphasized that digitalizing the health sector would help monitor and track attendance, making it easier to identify and address absenteeism. This move is anticipated to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare service delivery in the country.
Dr. Aceng noted that the government’s digitalization efforts would also tackle other challenges facing the health sector, such as inefficient service delivery and inadequate medical tools. “By leveraging technology, the government hopes to create a more transparent and accountable healthcare system,” she said.
The minister highlighted the significant risks posed by frequent absenteeism among health workers to the well-being of patients.
“The absence of health workers can have devastating consequences,” Dr. Aceng remarked. “Patients may be left unattended, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, patients may even lose their lives due to the lack of medical attention.” she added
Dr. Aceng underscored that absenteeism is not only a concern for patients but also for the healthcare system as a whole. “When health workers are absent, the workload on those present increases, resulting in burnout and reduced morale,” she explained.
She also addressed the economic impact of absenteeism, stating that it could lead to higher healthcare costs. “The absence of health workers can result in patients requiring longer hospital stays or more expensive treatments due to delayed diagnoses and treatments,” Dr. Aceng said.
To combat absenteeism, the minister called for increased accountability and robust monitoring systems. “Health workers should be held accountable for their attendance and performance,” she asserted. “The government and healthcare administrators must also ensure that health workers operate in a safe and supportive environment, equipped with adequate resources and staffing.”
Dr. Aceng urged public health workers to take their responsibilities seriously and remain committed to their duties.
She warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against those absent without valid reasons.
The minister made these remarks on Thursday, November 28, 2024, during her presentation on the Ministry of Health’s progress in implementing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party manifesto for 2021–2026, held in Kampala.