Mbale City Health Department, in collaboration with partners such as the Ministry of Health and Uganda Health Activity (USAID), recently concluded a four-day workshop. The workshop aimed to educate members of various health management committees within the city about their roles.
The training, which commenced on Monday, included members from both the Northern City Division and Industrial City Division. Participants were drawn from Health Centers II, III, and IV, numbering over 100 from facilities like Bukasajja Health Centre IV, Busamaga Health III, Uganda Prisons and Uganda Police Health Centers III, Nakaloke Health Centre III, Namatala Health Centre IV, Bufumbo Health Centre IV, among others.
This induction is a routine arrangement by the City Health Department to ensure that committee members, managing units on behalf of the government and the community, are well-versed in their roles. The goal is to prevent conflicts between facility managers and technical staff, such as nurses. The training aligns with the Health Act, outlining the roles of Health Management Committee (HMC) members.
Mr. Steven Masiga, the Health Management Committee Chairperson for Bukasajja Health Centre IV and spokesperson for Bugisu Cultural Leadership, urged fellow managers to see their roles as more than just a job. He emphasized the importance of acting as good stewards in providing quality health services. Masiga encouraged participants to collaborate closely with nurses and other staff for the benefit of city residents. He also reminded nurses to uphold professionalism, warning against negligence and emphasizing adherence to ethical guidelines like the Geneva guidelines and the Hippocratic Oath.
Masiga expressed gratitude to the city’s political leadership, both in the Industrial City Division and Mbale City, for entrusting them with the responsibility of managing the HMC on behalf of all stakeholders. Members of Busamaga Health III shared a concerning incident where community members took matters into their own hands due to perceived arrogance from the facility’s incharge. The City Health Officer discouraged such actions, emphasizing the importance of not taking the law into their own hands.
Facilitators for the workshop were sourced from the Ministry of Health. City Health Officer Dr. Mugonya emphasized the need for team spirit and tolerance between staff and HMC members. He assured participants of his availability for guidance and pledged continuous training to deepen the understanding of the roles of every actor involved in healthcare.
Representing the Mayor of Mbale City Council, the Secretary for Health and Social Service, Hon Aisha Mugoya, encouraged HMC members to cooperate and guide staff for improved health service delivery in the city. She also shared her journey, starting as a Village Health Team champion, highlighting the foundational roots that led her to her current position.
