Dokolo, Uganda | Health leaders in Dokolo District have raised concern over the growing shortage of nurses and midwives, warning that the increasing population and overwhelming workload are stretching the health workforce to its limits and threatening the quality of healthcare services.
The concerns were raised during the International Nurses and Midwives Day celebrations held over the weekend at Angwecibange Primary School playground in Dokolo Town Council. The celebrations, held under the theme, “Advocacy for More Health Workers: Because Life Deserves Care,” attracted nurses, midwives, students and health professionals from Dokolo, Lira City, Lira District, Alebtong and Kaberamaido districts.
Speaking during the celebrations, the Acting Chairperson of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union Dokolo Branch, Everline Tracy Ajuno, said nurses and midwives constitute about 67% of Uganda’s health workforce, making them the backbone of the country’s healthcare system. She noted that despite their critical role, the number of health workers remains far below the growing demand for healthcare services, with some facilities operating at an estimated ratio of one nurse to 100 patients. She said the overwhelming workload has forced many health workers to work beyond the recommended eight-hour shifts, affecting their mental well-being, family life, and overall productivity.
Ajuno appealed to the government to recruit more nurses and midwives, improve their welfare through better salaries and working conditions, expressed concern over increasing threats and hostility against health workers by some community members, and urged local leaders to sensitise the public on the importance of healthcare professionals. She also called on nurses and midwives to remain committed to professional ethics and continue providing compassionate care despite the challenges they face.
Fiona Amongi from Lira Regional Referral Hospital said the campaign for increased recruitment of health workers must continue, emphasising that adequate staffing is key to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. She urged nurses and midwives to remain dedicated to delivering quality healthcare services.
The Regional Coordinator for Lango, David Opio Apap, condemned the frequent arrests of nurses whenever theft occurs at health facilities, arguing that security personnel should also be held accountable for protecting government property, and pledged legal and institutional support for affected health workers through the union. He encouraged health workers to uphold professional standards while urging senior officers to mentor junior staff.
Opio also criticised the current online registration system for health workers, saying it has created unnecessary challenges and called for the restoration of regional registration centres.
Representing retired health workers, Mary Philomena Okello encouraged serving nurses and midwives to pursue further education to improve their career prospects. She also urged them to advocate for adequate medical equipment alongside the demand for increased staffing.
The Assistant District Health Officer, Constansia Alela, called for unity among health workers, urging them to work together under their guiding principles of excellence and commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Representing workers in the District Council, Stella Adero pledged continued support for health workers by advocating for better working conditions and timely payment of salaries.
Delivering his remarks as the chief guest, Dokolo District Speaker Boniface Alilo cautioned health workers against extorting money from patients and urged them to provide professional, ethical and quality healthcare services. He also called upon the community to respect, protect, and support health workers, noting that they play a critical role in safeguarding lives and strengthening the country’s healthcare system.