Govt Moves Against Drunk Medics

Tumwebaze was meeting administrators of Masaka regional referral hospital on a campaign codenamed ‘responsible health living of health workers’.

The campaign has started as an advocacy initiative to arouse medics to walk the talk of responsible and healthy living.

Tumwesigye observes that a reasonable number of health personnel have become victims of health ailments and deaths resulting from addictions. He Describes the trend as surprising and unfortunate

He adds that the ministry is determined to restrain its entire staff from irresponsible consumption of alcohol, tobacco, harmful and contagious drugs and reckless diet
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He says government cannot look on as the country gradually loses its medical staff to avoidable illnesses, at a time when their number is lesser than the available demand.

Minister Tumwesigye adds that campaign will also operationalise basic HIV/AIDS prevention methods and treatment among health workers. He says that although they provide these services to clients, some have been reluctant in using them.

Dr. Florence Tugumisirize, the Masaka regional referral hospital superintendent, observes that the new campaign is a valid approach to help the professionals stick to their principles.

She has also accepted there have been some drunken medical officers who have not only been demonizing the profession but also fail to deliver efficiently and effectively because of drugs.