As a volunteer at the casualty ward in Mulago Specialized Hospital, Jonathan Nkalubo, runners-up for 2023 HIHA Doctor of the Year has almost seen it all in Ugandan healthcare.
Yet he is often energized, thanks to the patient stories that point back to his work, “watching someone arrive here unconscious, get resuscitated, go through surgery, and smile at you at the end is priceless” he says.
He however bemoans the current state of the doctor-to-patient ratio (1 doctor- 40,000 patients) and highlights it as a major pitfall in Uganda’s healthcare progress.
He’s thankful to the Ministry of Health and partners, HIHA Initiative, for recognizing him,
“Your award has motivated me to do better, despite the circumstances I work in, I am daily encouraged to give better services, train and improve my skills as well as improve the sector.” He says.
Dr Nkalubo’s hope has been tested before and remains resilient, he foresees good things for healthcare in Uganda. He’s quick to acknowledge the opportunity for sector growth due to the current large-scale doctor training, despite low recruitment rates.
Jonathan also knows the lack of budget prioritization for health is a factor, and it ends up visible in the few diagnostics which can mostly be located in urban centres more than rural areas.
