Kadaga tasks government to prioritise midwifery training

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga. FILE PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • The Swedish ambassador to Uganda, Per Lindgarde said that his government will continue sponsoring midwives' training.
  • However, Sarah Opendi, the State Minster for Health argued that training is being given priority over quality care which is a concern.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has tasked the government to consider funds for training midwives in the 2018/2019 budget.

Since 2010, the Swedish government in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has trained more than 500 midwives all over the country.

Speaking at the International Midwives Day held in Jinja District on Saturday, Kadaga said that instead of relying on donors who offer scholarships to the midwives, government should avail funds and train the midwives in order to improve their efficiency.

Kadaga said that the ban on recruitment of new midwives which has affected the delivery of health services, be lifted to fill the staff gaps in health facilities.

According to records from the Ministry of Health, 17,583 trained midwives are registered under the nurses and midwives council but only 12,621 are deployed in both public and private health facilities.

The Swedish ambassador to Uganda, Per Lindgarde said that his government will continue sponsoring midwives' training.

However, Sarah Opendi, the State Minster for Health argued that training is being given priority over quality care which is a concern.