Sheema health centre III boss interdicted over alleged misconduct
The interdiction follows a recent surprise visit to the facility by Sheema deputy resident district commissioner (RDC) Sam Orikunda, who reportedly found that Bells was away from the health centre.
Richard Bells, a senior clinical officer, is accused of being away from the health centre for an extended period, allegedly compromising the delivery of services to patients. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
The in-charge of Kyeihara Health Centre III in Kasana subcounty has been interdicted over alleged misconduct and abuse of office after he was reportedly absent from the facility for about two weeks.
Richard Bells, a senior clinical officer, is accused of being away from the health centre for an extended period, allegedly compromising the delivery of services to patients.
The Sheema district chief administrative officer (CAO), Issa Hood Nsubuga, said the interdiction was intended to pave the way for investigations into the allegations against Bells. He said Bells would continue receiving half of his salary during the interdiction until the investigation is concluded.
RDC raises attendance concerns
The interdiction follows a recent surprise visit to the facility by Sheema deputy resident district commissioner (RDC) Sam Orikunda, who reportedly found that Bells was away from the health centre.
During the visit, Orikunda reportedly discovered that Bells had been signing the attendance register despite allegedly not being at the facility.
Some health workers also told the RDC that they had been leaving spaces in the attendance register for Bells to sign even when he was absent.
“He would only come here to sign the attendance register and leave,” one of the workers, who preferred anonymity, told the RDC.
Orikunda further alleged that Bells had diverted allowances meant for health workers, a situation he said had demoralised staff at the facility.
Workers complain over PHC allowances
Tracy Akatukwasa, a nurse at the health centre, said some workers, particularly midwives and those involved in immunisation, had stopped carrying out some community health activities after failing to receive their primary health care (PHC) allowances.
“They no longer carry out immunisation, village sensitisation and awareness activities, and they also help mothers to deliver. The failure to receive their allowances has affected these services,” Akatukwasa said.
She said the situation had forced some expectant mothers to seek services at Kitagata Hospital, more than 30 kilometres from Kyeihara.
Only two workers found at facility
Out of the nine health workers posted to Kyeihara Health Centre III, only two were reportedly found at the facility during the visit, raising concerns about staffing and service delivery.
The CAO said he had received complaints about poor service delivery at the health centre, which he attributed partly to the alleged absence of the in-charge.
Councillor links absence to bar
Michael Bekyengesa, the district LC5 councillor representing Kasana subcounty, said residents had raised concerns that Bells operates a bar in Bugongi town council.
He said Kyeihara is a hard-to-reach area with poor road networks and hilly terrain, requiring committed health workers to ensure residents receive healthcare services.
Bekyengesa called for closer supervision of health workers at the facility to prevent staff from abandoning their duties.
Residents complain over weekend services
Ronald Kabwere, a resident of Kyeihara, said the facility's services were limited during weekends.
“When you come on Saturday, you will never find any worker here. They all leave here on Friday and come back on Monday. We tried to report the matter to the hospital management committee, but we were intimidated not to say anything,” Kabwere said.
Bells admits absence, denies funds misuse
Bells admitted that he had been absent from duty but denied abandoning his responsibilities completely, saying he had people who kept him informed about activities at the health centre.
“I recruited my people who normally give me information whenever something goes wrong here,” Bells said.
He, however, dismissed allegations of misappropriation of PHC funds, saying the allowances were paid to workers based on their level of participation in assigned activities.
“There is no misappropriation of PHC funds. Everyone is paid his or her allowance according to the work done and the activities in which they participate. No worker is denied what they are entitled to,” Bells said.
He, however, did not respond to the allegation that he had signed the attendance register while absent from the facility.