Manafwa uses salary freezes to combat health sector absenteeism

With the system, absenteeism among health workers has decreased substantially, from 69% in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year to 8% by the end of the year

MANAFWA | Manafwa District has implemented strict measures to tackle absenteeism and drug theft in government health facilities.

These issues were highlighted during an accountability meeting with a team from the President's Office, led by Sr Dr Grace Mary Akirol, who emphasized their negative impact on service delivery. The team called on local government authorities to take action to address these problems.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) revealed that an audit has been conducted, with a report pending his review and subsequent action.

Dr Ephraim Nakhokho, the district health officer, acknowledged the ongoing challenges of drug theft and absenteeism but noted significant progress in combating these issues.

He reported that the district had disrupted a drug theft ring that exploited inter-institutional transfers, flouted drug issuance protocols, and inflated request forms.

Dr Nakhokho said absenteeism among health workers had decreased substantially, from 69% in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year to 8% by the end of the year.

This improvement, he said, resulted from strict disciplinary actions, including withholding salaries of non-compliant staff.

Three staff members' salaries were withheld, and one employee has been recommended for removal from the payroll due to being untraceable.

“We were encouraged by the IGG that if I withhold your salary, I don’t pay you because you didn’t work unless you have a satisfactory reason,” Dr. Nakhokho explained.

The district has also reactivated health management committees across all health facilities to strengthen oversight and accountability further.

The Statehouse team urged local government authorities to remain accountable and responsible to ensure better service delivery to citizens, emphasizing the spirit of "one team, one dream."

This call aligns with the recent health assembly hosted by Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where technical and non-technical stakeholders gathered to discuss gaps and solutions for improving health services.