A FLUCTUATING POLICY: EXAMINING UGANDA’S FAILED ATTEMPTS TO PHASE OUT NURSING ASSISTANTS FROM THE HEALTH WORKFORCE

Abstract

Background:
This paper provides a historical basis for introducing the Nursing Assistants in Uganda arguing that the situation has not changed. It interrogates the arguments advanced for abolishing this cadre of health workers and examines the implications of this decision for health care delivery under the current circumstances. In 2013, the Uganda Government, through the Ministry of Public Service, issued a Circular abolishing the Nursing Assistants from the Health Workforce cadres in Uganda effective 2015, after a grace period of three years. Since then, there have been fruitless attempts to remove these cadres without closure.
Methods:
This policy paper examines this policy fluctuation by digging into the history of Nursing Assistants in Uganda to establish if the conditions that led to their recruitment still exist.
Discussion:
It examines the reasons advanced for their abolition, their contributions, and the implications of abolishing them at this point. It proposes a way forward for the Government on the matter of Nursing Assistants.
Conclusion:
It should be clear to everyone of sound mind that any employee who is told to work while keeping the luggage packed, and ready for exit, is not motivated. The quality of work performed by such employees can only diminish as they are no longer investing in the job. That is the current situation of the Nursing Assistants in Uganda. The Ministry of Public Service should write to withdraw the circular that announced the abolition of the Nursing Assistants as a matter of urgency.