13 Feb 2019

Parliament has learnt that the Ministry of Health and Wellness does not keep database of employees on the basis of their disability. Assistant minister, Mr Biggie Butale said therefore he was unable to respond to how many employees have albinism and other disabilities by district, date of employment and gender. Responding to a parliamentary question on Tuesday, Mr Butale said ‘the recruitment of the ministry does not include a deliberate move towards recruiting the said groups, but rather recruits as per qualifications and competencies for each cadre.’ He said the process was inclusive for as long as the job seeker had met the minimum requirements for the job.

Mr Butale was answering a question from specially elected MP, Mr Mephato Reatile who wanted to know how many people with albinism and other disabilities were employed under the ministry and the breakdown by district, date of employment and gender. Mr Reatile also wanted to know if the number met the country’s target of the UN Sustainable Development Goal number 8: Decent work and economic growth by 2030, to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all, and if not when would the target be met for compliance. He also asked the assistant minister if the sun screen used by people with albinism was available in all clinics and hospitals across the country and if not why.

Mr Butale however explained that the ministry had not set out a plan to meet the target. He further noted that sunscreens used by people living with albinism were included in the Central |Medical Stores list and could be ordered by all clinics and hospitals in the country. ENDS