Medics in Hoima and Bunyoro at large have been cautioned against operating without being registered with the Alliance of Health Professionals Council (AHPC) or else risk disciplinary action.
Every practising medic is mandated to register with the council as a method of monitoring professionalism and standards among those offering health services.
Speaking at the healthcare workers’ graduation ceremony at St Regina College of Health Professionals in Hoima city, the AHPC Regional Supervisor, Mr Christopher Biingi, said that it was high time they acted on all forms of illegalities amongst the practising medics.
The supervisor revealed that he was with dismay reliably informed of incidents of some professional medical doctors extorting patients.
He cautioned the fresh graduates to desist from such habits and stand to defend the professional code of conduct and ethics of the entire health profession.
Mr Biingi said that the habit of operating without registration AHPC is common among operators of clinics while extortion is noticed in health facilities.
He also warned the medics against attempting to handle health issues outside their area of training and specialisation just because they want money.
The supervisor said that a medic who breaches the guidelines is liable for any other health complication or death of a patient that may occur as a result.
Mr Biingi also vowed to act on medics who are exhibiting inefficiencies mainly reflected through delayed arrival at work, absenteeism and leaving the workplace before the end time of duty.
Mr Joseph Agondua, the Executive Secretary at Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board (UAHEB), urged the graduates to observe integrity and confidentiality at work.
He also cautioned the graduates against expecting to amass wealth if they are to live a professional life.
“If you want to become rich, it is not by being a health worker. Your clients are going to be very vulnerable people. Others may become rich through other ways not by the health profession. Our profession is a sacrifice,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Public Service, Ms Grace Mary Mugasa who was the Chief Guest, the Mayor for East Division, Hoima city, His Lordship Bosco Muhanuuzi, urged parents to consider educating their children to higher levels.
The Principal St Regina College of Health Professionals, Dr Alex Gahanza, said that they have always worked to ensure that their graduates observe the health professional ethics while out for service.
He told the chief guest that the college has been steadily advancing since 2013.
The physician disclosed that the college started with offering diplomas in clinical medicine and community health before it was accredited to offer a course leading to the award of a certificate in pharmacy in 2020.
At least 205 graduates were awarded their respective certificates and diplomas at the graduation ceremony that took place yesterday (Thursday), August 8, 2024.
