Buliisa District Eyes Biometric Systems to Tackle Health Worker Absenteeism

The health department in Buliisa district is planning to roll out biometric machines in select health facilities to fight growing absenteeism among workers.

These devices will be placed at the entrances of administration blocks in Health Centre IIIs and IVs, requiring all staff to clock in and out each day. This aims to boost accountability and maintain steady service delivery.

Gabriel Tabani, the assistant district health officer for maternal and child health, explained that the system will monitor not just absences but also late starts and early exits. He stressed its role in better managing staff and keeping workers on site for patients.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Sylvester Tumukurate highlighted the issue, noting that despite salary improvements for nurses and midwives, some staff still skip duties, endangering lives and overburdening colleagues.

He cautioned that ongoing absenteeism might lead to payroll removals and other penalties.

Local residents echo these worries. Juliet Kusemererwa from Wanseko landing site complained about late arrivals and staff favouring private practices over public duties. Stephen Balikurungi from Avogera village demanded tougher discipline and more oversight.

This problem persists nationwide, despite public service rules and health ministry standards on conduct and service quality.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)