Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union officials-UNMU has given district authorities in Jinja an ultimatum of 3 days to either make available Personal Protective Equipment -PPE or they lay down their tools.

According to Stephen Amukun, the Branch Chairperson for the union in Jinja claims they have missed out on receiving facemasks which he says play a crucial role in handling patients, especially during this COVID-19 lockdown.

He says despite the fact that the National Medical Stores-NMS has supplied drugs for two cycles last week PPE’s like masks among others have been left out.

It’s upon this backdrop that they have threatened to lay down their tools amidst a currently leaping health system.

Amukun’s office has written to the Chief Administrative Officer,-CAO Jinja, informing him of  the challenges faced by health workers fronting the fight against COVID -19

The letter points out the lack of, gloves, face masks, and transport as issues of concern.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng last week warned to take stern action against health workers scheming to protest and lay down their tools over lack of personal protective Equipment – PPEs.

While visiting Masindi Hospital Quarantine center where a confirmed case of COVID -19 was registered, Acheng said her Ministry has received reports that some health workers were planning to lay down tools over lack of  COVID-19  treatment PPEs.

She asserted that any health workers who will act defiantly by going on a sit down strike are very unwise, unethical, and inhumane and those involved will be dealt with a hard blow.

This comes as the world commemorates the international day of Nurses 2020  on the 12th May 2020 under the theme Nurses: A Voice to Lead –  “Nursing the World to Health”, focusing on the true value of nurses to the people of the world.

Each year, the International Council of Nurses lead the celebrations on International Nurses Day, which is usually held on May 12.

The theme for 2020, Nursing the World to Health, demonstrates how nurses are central to addressing a wide range of health challenges. It will inspire nurses and make the public aware of their contribution to healthcare and health management.