Parliament orders CID probe into alleged misconduct at Soroti hospital
Monday said the committee had received information alleging that some staff members were being mistreated, harassed and spoken to harshly by senior hospital leadership.
During an inspection, the committee visited the mortuary, surgical and medical wards, theatre, maternity and children's wards. (Credit: Felix Osujo)
SOROTI - Parliament's Health Committee has directed the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in East Kyoga to investigate alleged misconduct by some staff at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
The directive was issued by the committee chairperson, Dr Julius Rude Monday, during a meeting with the hospital's medical specialists and other staff led by the hospital director, Dr Ben Watmon.
Monday said the committee had received information alleging that some staff members were being mistreated, harassed and spoken to harshly by senior hospital leadership.
He specifically directed the CID to investigate allegations of abuse of office and poor handling of personnel, particularly health workers.
Monday also referred to an allegation that a staff member had been asked for sexual favours, directing that a general inquiry file be opened and that the hospital's senior administrator record a statement.
He asked the CID detective who attended the meeting to call other staff members who may have information on alleged misconduct to provide statements.
Auditor General's recommendations
The committee also questioned the hospital leadership on progress in implementing recommendations contained in Auditor General's reports.
Monday said Soroti Regional Referral Hospital had 19 outstanding recommendations and directed management to respond to the committee in writing within seven days, with a copy sent to the Auditor General.
CID asked to investigate extortion claims
Monday also directed the CID to investigate allegations that bereaved families are being asked to pay money for services related to postmortems, police forms and other investigations.
He asked Soroti resident district commissioner Imuran Muluga and Soroti city resident city commissioner (RCC), John Michael Okurut, to engage the regional police commander on the allegations.
Monday said postmortems and other relevant public services should not be used to extort money from grieving families.
He further asked the RDC and RCC to work with the police during the investigation and ensure that the findings are submitted to the committee.
The two local government leaders were also urged to use radio platforms to sensitise the public about services that are provided free of charge at public health facilities, except those offered through private wings.
Sh145m quarterly allocation to Katakwi hospital probed
The Health Committee also directed the CID to investigate the utilisation of sh145m reportedly released quarterly to Katakwi General Hospital.
He cited concerns about the condition of the hospital and the functionality of some of its services, saying the committee had observed what he described as possible elements of corruption.
The committee also tasked the chief administrative officer to visit the facility and follow up on the concerns raised, including disciplinary action against staff where evidence supports it.
Soroti City East MP Moses Attan showing commitee members one of the buildings during inspection. (Credit: Felix Osujo)
Health worker absenteeism
Monday also raised concerns about alleged absenteeism among health workers.
He cited information that eight doctors were scheduled to be on duty at one point, but only two were reportedly present.
He warned that health workers who are assigned duty but fail to report could be referred to police for investigation.
He said the committee had also received wider concerns about health workers reporting late or leaving health facilities before the end of their shifts.
Soroti city faces severe staffing gaps
Soroti city MP Moses Attan questioned the availability of funds and progress in recruiting additional health workers in the 2026/27 financial year.
Attan said several health facilities in the city were operating with staffing levels far below their approved establishments.
He cited Princess Diana Health Centre IV, which he said had 39 staff against an approved structure of 130.
He said East Division Health Centre III had 10 staff against 55, while Soroti Health Centre III had 12 against 55.
Attan also raised concerns about Otatai Health Centre III, saying the facility had been completed but lacked staff, equipment and electricity.
He further raised concerns about the lack of a dedicated electricity line at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
According to Attan, power problems at the hospital have created safety risks for medical workers, including an incident in which a doctor was reportedly electrocuted while entering the theatre.
Hospital director Dr Watmon told the committee that the facility urgently needs equipment for the maternity ward, theatre and other departments, as well as additional health workers.
He also raised concerns about the condition of some hospital structures.
During an inspection, the committee visited the mortuary, surgical and medical wards, theatre, maternity and children's wards.
The committee observed several structures in poor condition, while hospital management told the MPs that the general ward had collapsed about six years ago.
Monday said the committee had taken note of the hospital's infrastructure challenges and would advocate for additional specialist units across regional referral hospitals.
He said the hospital also needs improved infrastructure for the outpatient department, casualty and emergency unit, surgical and medical services, and the mortuary.
The committee, however, commended the hospital for maintaining a generally clean environment while urging management to improve waste management.
Recognition for surgeon Dr Epodoi
The committee also recognised the work of senior consultant surgeon and urologist Associate Professor Dr Joseph Epodoi.
Epodoi was previously involved in the separation of conjoined twins in April 2021.
Monday said Parliament had previously promised to recognise the surgeon and support improvements to the hospital's theatre facilities.
He said the committee would retrieve the earlier parliamentary record and re-present the matter on the floor of Parliament to seek formal recognition for Epodoi.
Concerns on medicine stock-outs, non-communicable diseases
Monday also conveyed concerns attributed to President Yoweri Museveni regarding medicine stock-outs and absenteeism in public health facilities.
He questioned whether medicine shortages were linked to inadequate budgeting, misuse or theft of medical supplies.
He also highlighted concerns about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
The committee asked health authorities to consider how facilities in the region are addressing the factors driving the rise in non-communicable diseases.
The parliamentary committee said it would follow up on the issues raised during its engagement with Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and other health facilities in the region.