Government through the Ministry of Health is in the final stages of developing a Policy to absorb Counsellors into Public service
According to Dr. Charles Olaro, the director of Clinical Services at the Ministry of Health, there is a growing need for professional counselling and guidance across the health sector in the country
“As the Ministry of Health, we are cognizant that these are very important Cadres in service delivery” he said.
Dr. Olaro added that the Health Ministry is working with the Ministry of Public Service to restructure both the lower and the central government health structure to include positions of Counsellors.
Dr. Olaro made the remarks on Thursday at the 16th annual counsellors conference organized by Refugee Law project from Kampala
The Health Ministry has been using nurses and midwives to do counselling services to the patients in health facilities
Dr. Olaro added that the ministry will also train Village Health Teams (VHTs) to have an aspect of Mental health so that the VHTs will be able to identify some people who need counselling in the community
According to Gastone Byamugisha, the President of Uganda Counselling Association, this policy when implemented will help to reduce on the burden of mental health challenges faced by people in the community as there will be more professional counsellors in the various health facilities
The 16th annual counsellors conference is being celebrated under the theme: “Attaining a Health Mind and Healthy body amidst Covid-19: Focus on forced Migration, mental health and Gender.”
