Buliisa district health department is considering deploying biometric machines in health facilities to address rising cases of absenteeism among health workers. Authorities say the move is intended to improve accountability and ensure consistent service delivery, as absenteeism and late reporting continue to undermine healthcare services in the district. Officials indicate that the biometric machines will be installed at health centre IIIs and IVs, where all staff will be required to log in and out daily. The system will be positioned at the entrance of administration blocks to monitor attendance. Buliisa assistant district health officer in charge of maternal and child health, Gabriel Tabani, said the biometric system will not only address absenteeism but also track late arrivals and early departures. He added that the technology would strengthen human resource management and ensure health workers remain on duty to serve patients effectively. Meanwhile, Buliisa deputy resident district commissioner Sylvester Tumukurate expressed concern over the growing absenteeism, warning that it is compromising healthcare delivery in the district. Tumukurate said that despite government efforts to enhance salaries for health workers, including midwives and nurses, some staff continue to abscond from duty, putting patients’ lives at risk. He added that absenteeism places pressure on the few available staff and affects the quality of services provided at health facilities. The deputy RDC warned that continued absenteeism could prompt disciplinary action, including removal of affected staff from the government payroll. Residents have also raised concerns about the conduct of some health workers. Juliet Kusemererwa, a resident of Wanseko landing site in Wanseko town council, said some health workers report late or fail to show up, while others prioritise their private clinics at the expense of public facilities. Another resident, Stephen Balikurungi from Avogera village in Ngwedu sub-county, called for stricter disciplinary measures against absentee staff. He also urged district leaders to strengthen routine supervision to ensure health workers report to duty consistently. Absenteeism among health workers remains a national concern despite existing guidelines under the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders (2021), which provide a framework for discipline, professional conduct and service delivery. The ministry of Health also enforces service standards and operational manuals aimed at ensuring quality healthcare, although enforcement remains a challenge in some districts.The post Buliisa considers biometric machines to curb health worker absenteeism appeared first on The Observer.