Government to Dismiss Medics Over Absenteeism and Low Productivity
takeholders at the launch of the Ministry of Health Client Charter and Service Delivery Standards (2025-2030)
The announcement was made during the launch of the Health Service Delivery Standards (SDG) and Client Charter for 2025–2030 at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala on March 10, 2026. The initiative aims to improve healthcare quality, enhance transparency, and place citizens at the centre of service delivery.
Dr Diana Atwine emphasized a shift from discussion to decisive action, describing absenteeism as a “cancer” that must be eradicated with zero tolerance. She noted that the government invests heavily in recruitment and salaries, yet many health workers remain absent from their stations.
“We have been talking about absenteeism. The time has come to act,” Dr Atwine said, highlighting the need for strong supervision, particularly in facilities under local government. She added that names of medical personnel recommended for dismissal have already been received. “We have ‘presenteeism’ without output. I am calling upon our supervisors to hold people accountable. We must act… Let us dismiss the bad apples in our midst,” she stated.
The newly launched standards and charter will underpin institutional strategies, budgets, performance plans, and monitoring systems, while introducing client satisfaction as a key performance indicator. The documents also outline patients’ rights and obligations and provide channels for feedback to improve service delivery.
Jane Kyarisiima Mwesiga acknowledged ongoing achievements but highlighted persistent gaps, including long waiting times, absenteeism, poor supervision, dual employment, and negative work attitudes among some health workers. She stressed that the charter and standards reflect the ministry’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in health service delivery.
Despite these challenges, Dr Atwine noted progress in the sector. She highlighted achievements such as maintaining immunization coverage above 90 percent for children, reducing maternal mortality, and improving life expectancy to 68 years. “The Ministry of Health takes pride in ensuring that in the last five years, we have significantly reduced maternal mortality. I believe that we are champions in maternal mortality reduction in the region,” she said.
The government’s enforcement of the new standards is expected to strengthen oversight, improve staff performance, and ensure that public health facilities deliver quality services to citizens.
