East African Gazette
Kampala
Members of the Association of Physicians of Uganda (APU) have reminded Parliament about their role to pass the National Health Insurance scheme bill which has remained pending for the last 15 years.
The call was made by the members during their 17th annual scientific conference on Friday under the theme ‘Advances in medical technology to strengthen health care and medical training in Uganda’ held at Kabira Country Club in Kampala.
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While presenting the member’s position, Dr. Emmanuel Sekasanvu a senior oncologist and physician internal medicine specialist who had just been recognized for his role in the revival of the Association six years ago as well as his specialist services and training of internal medicine students requested the chairperson of the Parliamentary Health committee, Dr. Charles Ayume who was chief guest to remind the house about this bill.
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He pointed out that he was part of the ministry of health technical committee mandated to draft the scheme’s strategic framework policy paper 10 years ago but until now the document is still shelved in Parliament 15 years later saying Dr.Ayume who chairs the committee is well positioned to mobilize colleagues to cause debate and pass the bill.
‘On behalf of colleagues in the medical fraternity we would like to implore you to request parliament to subsequently pass the National Health Insurance scheme bill currently shelved in Parliament given that it has stayed for so long’ Dr.Sekasanvu pointed.
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‘I was part of the committee set up by the ministry of health to come up with a draft of the National health insurance scheme policy framework document ten years ago but up to now nothing positive has transpired from parliament’. It was a great honor that they are sending one of their very own Dr.Ayume to mobilize colleagues in the house to take action” Dr. Sekasanvu said.
In his response, Dr. Ayume said he was also concerned about the prolonged delay but urged members and stakeholders to continue pushing the demands until they attract the president’s attention to take action.
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Ayume said his committee has been in position to handle several high-cost projects for the health sector include passing the organ transplanting bill which shall enable patients with kidney problems to be operated here at Mulago specialized hospital starting within the next six months given that the theatre and wards at sixth floor of Mulago are ready.
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The Association president Dr. Lydia Nakiyingi said under her stewardship, the Association membership has attracted dozens of young physicians whom she hopes will help to take up the professional mantle of serving patients.
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She commended parliament through Dr.Ayume for continuously pushing the agenda of the medical professionals such as salaries enhancements, constructing housing units for the medics, and ensuring that they lobby for expansion of the general health care infrastructure to meet the patient’s medical demands.
The conference discussions and papers presented by health experts largely focused more on the surging cases of cancer infections which are a big problem to the country.
Among those that presented high profile papers included Dr. Jackson Orem the executive director Uganda cancer Institute [UCI] who made a keynote address discussing the status of cancer fight in the country.
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Others were Dr. Rose Muhindo, Dr. Ponsiano Ocama, Dr. Anthony Muyingo, Dr. Judith Amutuhaire, Dr. Juliet Akao, Dr. Francis Ssali among others.
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