The Ministry of Health (MoH) has warned health workers against absconding from work under the pretext of the festive season.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, made these remarks on December 27, 2023, during an interview on a local radio station, where she stated that she received reports that some health workers are not reporting on duty, claiming that they are in festivities.

Atwine highlighted that medical services do not have time limits, adding that health workers should be on duty 24 hours a day or can work in shifts.

“Our facilities are like police stations. They don’t close. Whether independence, whether Christmas, whether night, whether day, because sickness does not have public holidays and Ugandans need health care at any time it is required,” Atwine stated.

Atwine further asked the facility supervisors in each district to report health workers who have not reported to work or abandoned their duties under the pretext of being in the festive season for action to be taken.

She emphasized that health workers should be available, especially during the holiday season, because that’s when they are most needed.