SIMPSON M
Former Member of Parliament for Rubabo Constituency, Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, expressed her heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to the country’s nurses and midwives for their outstanding contribution to the healthcare system. Her statement was made during the International Nurses Day celebration in Rukungiri District on May 17, 2024.
Hon. Mary Paula emphasized the importance of celebrating nurses and midwives, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining the healthcare system. She praised their dedication and commitment, urging the government to continue supporting them by improving their working conditions and increasing their pay. This, she believes, would allow nurses to focus on their calling to love and serve without needing to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet.
She highlighted that the event commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and serves as a special day to honor the selfless dedication of nurses in the country and communities. Nurses, she said, are vital to the healthcare system because they are deeply focused on patient care.
Hon. Mary Paula also called on the Ministry of Health to recognize nurses’ contributions by providing adequate equipment and a supportive work environment. She urged the government to continually revise their salary scale to a fair and appropriate level.
Reflecting on her tenure in parliament, she shared her advocacy for maternal healthcare in Uganda, working with the Inter-Parliamentary Union to improve healthcare by extending health centers to underserved areas.
Additionally, Hon. Mary Paula sought support from the people of Rukungiri as she aims to become the district’s woman Member of Parliament, promising to foster development in the district.
Alex Twekwase, the National Organizing Secretary for the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union, also expressed his gratitude for the successful International Nurses Day. He mentioned that various challenges faced by nurses were presented to Vice President Jesca Alupo, and they hope these issues will be addressed.
He noted that passion is essential to remain in the nursing profession given the challenging work environment in Uganda. He urged the government to consider building houses for nurses near hospitals to ensure they can quickly respond to emergencies.
