Assessing institutional medical policies in places of work: a case study of DFCU Bank, Kampala District

Abstract

This study is set out to examine medical policies in organisations / places of work. It was carried out in DFCU Bank using five purposively selected branches. The study was guided by two major objectives of; (i) Finding out the medical policies that exist in places of work; and (ii) Assessing the degree at which they are adhered to by the employers and employees. The study utilised both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 top managers, who also participated in the survey conducted with other staff members bringing the number to 91 respondents. Secondary data collection included the review of medical policy documents, annual quarterly reports and strategic plan documents. Other sources of relevant literature were also reviewed. Data collected was analysed using SPSS and presentation of the findings from the data was quantified and tabulated. The study established that there was a medical policy in place and the employees had access to the medical policy document. Due to a number of factors, most staff were ignorant about the policy and its implications. The study established that both DFCU Bank as a financial institution and the employees benefit from the medical policy in place. It was also found out that some staff members were not treated fairly and are not satisfied with the policy. There were a few organisational issues that needed to be improved upon in the current medical policy. Although there is a medical policy, it has not yet been observed consistently and this is attributed to organisational structure and socio-cultural constraints. The study identified a number of strategies that can be used by institutions in order to maintain a good flexible and acceptable medical policy. These included among others; the participation of all employees in the formulation of the medical policy. This can be done by using employee representatives at different levels of organisational management. The medical policy can be improved upon by considering a fair treatment to all employees regardless of management position or gender