In a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Parliament has given its backing to the Government’s plan to gradually eliminate comprehensive nursing certificate and diploma courses offered by both public and private institutions.
Philiphs Lokwang, representing Napore West, presented the committee’s report on behalf of committee chairperson John Twesigye, from Bunyaruguru County. The committee suggested that the Ministry of Education and Sports reconsider its decision to phase out these courses and focus instead on enhancing the curriculum.
Lokwang noted that there was insufficient research to support the removal of these programs, emphasizing the need to review and enrich the curriculum to better equip students with the necessary skills for healthcare service delivery.
In a surprising turn of events, James Kubeketerya, the committee’s deputy chairperson and MP for Bunya East, proposed an amendment. He suggested that instead of completely rescinding the decision, the ministry should engage in ongoing consultations with stakeholders, including Parliament. This proposal was accepted, and the amended report was adopted.
Before the report’s adoption, State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo addressed the House, acknowledging that while the courses had been phased out in 2020, significant efforts had been made to revise the curriculum to meet job market demands.
Muyingo explained that the decision to phase out these courses stemmed from concerns raised by the Ministry of Health regarding the quality of services provided by comprehensive nurses. He emphasized the importance of continuous curriculum review to address consumer needs effectively.
Currently, there are 3,319 registered comprehensive nursing diploma holders and 19,298 certificate holders across the country. Of the 121 nursing and midwifery training institutions offering certificate and diploma programs, 12 are public and 109 are private, with 24 offering comprehensive nursing programs.
Muyingo assured that comprehensive nurses already in service would be retained and recruited as enrolled assistant nursing officers, with provisions for continuous professional development to ensure the maintenance of high-quality healthcare delivery standards.
