Members of Village Health Teams (VHTs) might soon have some smile on their faces after a Ugandan Member of Parliament (MP) filed a proposal to the government to increase their allowances.
During August 02 plenary Buhaguzi East County MP Stephen Itaza Aseera presented a motion urging Government to provide monthly payment to members of the VHTs as an incentive meant to encourage them for the role they play in the healthcare delivery system.
“VHTs contribute significantly to Uganda’s health system through empowering communities to take control of their own health, wellbeing as well as participating actively in the management of the local health services,” explained Aseera.
He further explained that the allowance currently given to VHTs was so meagre and needed to be increased by adding them Shs 90,000 every month. If Aseera’s proposal goes through, each member of the VHT would be paid Shs 100,000 every month.
“VHTs are paid approximately Shs 10,000 per month or Shs 30,000 per quarter which does not match the services rendered given that majority of the population lives far from health centres which makes VHTs indispensable to bridge the gap.”
Ruling on the matter, presiding Speaker Anita Annet Among, who is also the Bukedea District Woman MP, noted that since MP Aseera’s motion has a budgetary implication as well as on the Consolidated Fund as stipulated in Article 93 of the Constitution, it should be only brought to the House by Government.
On behalf of government, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the leader of government business in the House praised Aseera for his motion on the payment of VHTs, saying it had very good intentions.
“Let me take it to Government side, we discuss it and we shall report here in the near future,” said Nabbanja.
It should be remembered that government has increased salaries for all scientists, including health workers and science teachers. (See new salary structure for the 2022-2023 Financial Year, indicating How Much Each Government Employee Will Be Earning Starting July 2022 HERE).
Meanwhile, Museveni’s Government has scrapped allowances for health workers. (Read Story Here).
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