Health Monitoring Unit condemns rot at Naguru hospital
Sep 20, 2017
Dr Ojera said in spite of his previous warning to the staff, he was disappointed at the continued reports of extortion.
Naguru staff during the meeting on Tuesday. Photos by Agnes Kyotalengerire
HEALTHCARE|EXTORTION
China- Uganda Friendship hospital Naguru medical workers have been ordered to stop extorting money and taking bribes from patients and attendants.
"We have always heard of rumours that health workers in Naguru hospital are extorting money and taking bribes from patients and their attendants. So the incident of the minster's disguised visit was to confirm the vice," said the director Health Monitoring Unit at State house, Dr. Jackson Ojera Abusu.
Dr. Ojera was addressing the medical staff of the hospital in a meeting called by the hospital management to reaffirm their stand against the malpractice on Tuesday.
Dr. Ojera said he was disappointed with the staff because in spite of his previous warning, they continued to extort to from the patients.
"The health monitoring unit will have a special lens to closely surprise Naguru staff to make sure the vices are stamped out," he said in a tough tone.
He added that the unit will not hesitate to cause arrest of errant health workers.
Dr Jackson Ojera Abusu addressing Naguru staff
Last Friday, the State Minister for General Duties, Sarah Opendi got two of Naguru hospital workers extorting money from patients. They include Christine Namanda, a nursing assistant and Andrew Kalule who does laundry at the hospital yet attatched as a receptionist at the laboratory.
The hospital director, Dr. Emmanuel Batiibwe said, they had earlier received complaints about Kalule and he was undergoing disciplinary process for a similar offense.
During the meeting, the staff decried of the poor working conditions which includes: low pay and lack of medical supplies like medical stationary and gloves.
One of the staff said they improvise with polythene paper gloves because the hospital facing shortage of surgical gloves.
However, Dr. Mutibwa said, while the management is mindful of the need to improve on the staff work place conditions, his administration will remain intolerant to any acts of extortion and absconding from duty.
Dr. Ojera also said they should not use poor pay and lack of supplies as an excuse for extortion.