Goma, DR Congo | AFP | An Ebola epidemic raging in eastern DR Congo marks its first year on Thursday in a mood of fear mingled with hope that fresh money and a change of leadership will turn the tide. So far, 1,790 people have died of the dreaded haemorrhagic virus …
Read More »Cuban doctors kidnapped by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Suspected Somali Al-Shabaab jihadis kidnapped two Cuban doctors Friday and killed their police protection officer in northeastern Kenya, police sources said. They said the two doctors and their guard were on the way to work in the town of Mandera when they were attacked. “It …
Read More »AI system spots childhood disease like a doctor
Paris, France | AFP | An artificial intelligence (AI) programme developed in China that combs through test results, health records and even handwritten notes diagnosed childhood diseases as accurately as doctors, researchers said Monday. From the flu and asthma to life-threatening pneumonia and meningitis, the system consistently matched or out-performed primary …
Read More »Sickness and death
Doctors ‘need to start early conversation with patients about dying’ Kampala, Uganda | AGENCIES | Doctors need to get better at having difficult conversations with dying patients and not just in their final days, according to a report from the Royal College of Physicians. It says doctors should talk to people …
Read More »Treating UTIs
Why we may not need to rely on antibiotics Kampala, Uganda | MONICA BEYER | Doctors tend to prescribe antibiotics to treat common bacterial infections, such as those of the urinary tract. However, a new study shows that there may be a new strategy to reduce or potentially even eliminate the …
Read More »COMMENT: Magic of Cuban doctors
Why bringing them in a hostile environment may not solve the problems of a malfunctioning healthcare system COMMENT | CISSY KAGABA | The recent rather interesting proposal by the government to hire Cuban doctors who would earn Shs5.4 million a month has attracted divergent views. There has not been sufficient stakeholder …
Read More »Cuban doctor controversy
Does medical union, NOTU, understand what they are fighting? Kampala, Uganda | FLAVIA NASSAKA | June 23 might mark a turning point in Uganda medical service sector. The National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) gave the government up to that day to ensure it has raised the minimum pay of …
Read More »Museveni defends proposal on Cuban doctors
Sembabule, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Museveni has defended a government proposal to import medical personnel from Cuba to work in public hospitals in rural areas, saying the move was intended to avert a crisis created by Ugandan doctors. Reports indicate that government intends to import at …
Read More »Ministry of Health awaits decision on Cuban doctors
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health is ready to receive Cuban doctors once Cabinet approves a decision to bring them into the country to support the health sector. Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Diana Atwine assured the press in a media briefing on Monday that no …
Read More »THIS WEEK: NOTU rejects importation of Cuban doctors
NOTU rejects importation of Cuban doctors Kampala, Uganda |THE INDEPENDENT | Confirming an earlier allegation, Sarah Opendi, the Health Minister In charge of General Duties said government said government is planning to import medical specialists to fill the gaps in hospitals across the country. Opendi who was appearing before a committee …
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