DSW conducts Health financing press conference

Coordinated by DSW, members of the Family Planning Advocacy Group (FPAG), Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Coalition held a press conference at Hotel African Kampala, Uganda on the health sector projected financing for the coming year.

 “A Well financed and vibrate health system; an absolute governments responsibility”. Was the theme for the conference organized to provoke the media fraternity to amplify advocacy towards the health sector budget that has been projected to decline

While presenting the paper, CSOs expressed their views and reservations regarding the FY 2017/18 Budget that is projected to decline by 30% compared to that of last year

In a joint statement they noted that as the government nears the 2020 target to transform into middle income country, the country must make huge investment in keeping the population healthy and productive, which according to the budget government is less concerned

Panelist during the media Briefing

They also noted with concern the continued poor human resources for the health sector that have hindered provisions of quality health services to the citizens.

They therefore urged the media practioners to amplify their advocacy towards what they termed as “unthinkable” for the government to reduce the health sector budget by such a huge percentage.

“We call upon you to join us and raise our voices such that tax payer’s money is put to best use”. Remarked Diana Tibesigwa.

Diana Tibesigwa, DSW stresses a point

 CSOs  urged the media to raise their in ensure that  government develops a plan that is responsive to the needs of the respective districts, for attracting recruiting, motivating and retaing health workers .

Urging that the ministry of health should prioritize the 50bn required for the recruitment of health workers.

They also called upon government to align the National Budget to the National Development Plan 11 and resource projections. “As a country we should desist from being known to have good laws and policies but very poor implementation” Emphasized the Dombo the chief of Part Path Uganda.

They further called for the decentralization of PHC funds for better services to ordinary citizens. “We have caution ministry of health against implementing PHC development budget on behalf of local governments as has been the norm because it creates more hitches in service delivery”. Noted Diana Tibesigwa.  

The reiterated their commitment to provide alternative budget proposals to government and to parliament, in particular

Over 40 National and local media houses were represented and covered the conference. These included the print, social and broadcast media and other representatives of likeminded organisations witnessed the function.

The conference took place at Hotel African, Kampala Uganda, mobilized and coordinated by DSW.