MPs Demand Action on Healthcare Gaps Despite Reported Progress

Despite a reported increase in Ugandans utilizing healthcare services, a trend attributed by the Health Minister to growing confidence in the referral system, Members of Parliament are calling for urgent attention to significant gaps within the sector. Minister of Health, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, noted that over 66 percent of patients now seek care at lower-level facilities, with government health centers handling the majority of outpatient attendances.

However, during a parliamentary debate on the sector’s performance, legislators highlighted pressing concerns that overshadow this progress. Opposition spokesperson, Hon. Anna Adeke, pointed out that Uganda’s health sector budget allocation remains at a mere 7 percent, far below the 15 percent recommended by the Abuja Declaration. She also stressed the negative impact of delays in establishing a National Health Insurance Scheme, forcing citizens to cover a substantial portion of their healthcare costs out-of-pocket, a situation contributing to widespread poverty.

Adeke further argued that the true measure of a functional health system lies not in infrastructure but in service availability, readiness, and financial protection for patients. Minister Baryomunsi acknowledged a significant funding gap of US$491 million for essential medicines and health supplies, exacerbated by population growth and disease burden. He also cited a critical staffing shortage, with facilities operating at only 34 percent of their required personnel. The Ministry aims to increase staffing levels to 55 percent by 2030 and expand the Community Health Extension Worker program.

Other critical issues raised by MPs include the theft of medical equipment and medicines, as well as the low remuneration of health workers, which negatively affects morale. High road traffic mortality rates were also a point of concern, linked to poor road infrastructure, inadequate enforcement of safety policies, and unsafe behaviors.

Source: Parliament of Uganda