Museveni's directive on dismissing doctors in private practice sparks protest
The Uganda Medical Association has protested a letter from the President, requesting the Ministry of Public Service to establish new regulations allowing for the summary dismissal of doctors in private practice who are also employed in government hospitals. This follows a Presidential directive to dismiss Dr. Godfrey Pariyo, an orthopedic surgeon, who has been absent from his duty station at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital despite regularly receiving a salary. The move prompted the President to order Dr. Pariyo's dismissal, along with a call for the Ministry of Public Service to set up rules for dismissing all doctors in private practice who are also in government employment. However, the Medical Association is concerned that this could cripple health service provision.
