The Need to Upgrade Clinical Officers' Training and Deployment for Better Health Outcomes in Uganda

Addressing Absenteeism and Negligence among Healthcare Workers for improved Health Sector Performance in Uganda: A Meta-Analysis

Authors

  • Alex Kachwano Secretary General, Medical Clinical Officers Professionals Uganda (MCOPU)

Keywords:

absenteeism, negligence, healthcare, health services management, performance, communication, interpersonal skills, clinical officer, medical officer, ministry of health , uganda

Abstract

Absenteeism among healthcare workers is a pervasive issue in Uganda's health sector, with far- reaching consequences for patients, the healthcare system, and the economy. This meta-analysis synthesizes existing research on absenteeism and negligence among medical officers and clinical officers in Uganda, highlighting the underlying causes, consequences, and potential solutions. The findings indicate that absenteeism and negligence are significant concerns, particularly among medical officers as main hospital managers, and are associated with poor health services management and performance. The study recommends targeted interventions, including training and development programs, improved resources and infrastructure, and enhanced leadership and management skills. Upgrading clinical officers' training to degree level (BCMCH) and deployment in public service is also proposed as a strategy to improve health services management and performance. The study's findings have implications for healthcare policy, practice, and research in Uganda and similar contexts.

Author Biography

Alex Kachwano, Secretary General, Medical Clinical Officers Professionals Uganda (MCOPU)

Alex is a Citizen of Uganda by Birth, an Author, a Clinician, Medical Educationist at Metropolitan International University, Team University and the Secretary General of Medical Clinical Officers Professionals Uganda (MCOPU) and Allied Health Professionals Associations Alliance (AHPAA) as well as Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) Advisory Council at East African Chapter with over five years of experience in Clinical Medicine Curriculum Harmonization and implementation, in Uganda, East Africa, and the world at Large. He was recently voted by Clinical Officers the Ministry of Health/Allied health Professionals Council (AHPC) Member of the Medical Clinical Officers Advisory Board.

He possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Medicine and Community Health, Professional studies in Implementation Sciences from University of Washington-USA, Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Education from Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara and pursuing Masters in Public Health.

Email: drkachwano@yahoo.com , drkachwano@gmail.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kachwano-a3937211a

X (formerly twitter): www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kachwano-a3937211a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Nj2mVVqXe/

Tel: +256 773838938 / 752294160

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Published

2025-09-09

How to Cite

Kachwano, A. (2025). The Need to Upgrade Clinical Officers’ Training and Deployment for Better Health Outcomes in Uganda: Addressing Absenteeism and Negligence among Healthcare Workers for improved Health Sector Performance in Uganda: A Meta-Analysis. Social Innovations Journal, 32. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/9574