On 14th December 2023, the Deputy Inspector Common of Authorities (DIGG), Ms. Anne Muhairwe, led a group to conduct a spot verify at Bugiri Common Hospital.

Throughout the shock inspection, it was found that the medical superintendent, Dr. Nakendo Abubaker, was conspicuously absent. Some employees that have been current indicated that he had not reported to the hospital for a few week. Makes an attempt to achieve him proved futile as he switched off his telephone shortly after the Deputy IGG referred to as him, remaining unreachable all through the inspection that ended at about 11pm.

Perusal of the attendance register revealed that 11 employees had reported for night obligation and that Dr. Nakendo had not reported to the hospital that day and at all times signed among the many final creating the impression that house was left for him to check in at any time when he reported. The Hospital administrator was additionally consistently absent and solely reported to repair his identify on the register.

The physician on name, Dr. Isiku Christopher, was additionally not near the hospital in the course of the inspection and eventually appeared hours later.

The scarcity of important medical provides was one other surprising revelation. Workers reported having no entry to antiseptics, gloves, blood, condoms or medicines. Sufferers have been compelled to buy their very own medicines. This was confirmed by Ms. Hajira Noiruba- a mom who was attending to her son who mentioned that they had to purchase all the medication together with anti-malarials and antibiotics that have been used to deal with her son – Mutwabbe Kiwalabye. One other affected person, Musa Mukwana with a swollen abdomen needed to periodically go away the hospital premises together with his mom to get meals.

The group then requested the IG group accompanied by the CAO Mr Martin Mabandha to vist Bugiri Medical Companies, owned by Dr. Nakendo the place medication and different medical provides have been fund. Condoms marked “Authorities of Uganda – Not on the market” and blood packets from the Uganda Blood Financial institution, additionally marked “not on the market,” have been present in Dr. Nakendo’s possession regardless of his services not being accredited to deal with blood – in keeping with the District Well being Officer- Dr. Stephen Kiirya.

The Deputy IGG promptly ordered the arrest and interdiction of Dr. Nakendo Abubaker with quick impact. Ms. Shakira Nakazibwe, a midwife, Ms. Angella Nabwire, a nurse, Ms. Dinah Namayanja and Mr. Kirya Husseima, a laboratory assistant all staff at Dr. Nakendo’s non-public facility have been arrested and handed over to the District Police Commander- Bugiri. Nevertheless, Dr. Nakendo is at the moment on the run to evade arrest.

The investigation highlights the gravity of the scenario within the public healthcare system, sheds mild on the pressing want for systemic reforms and the significance of recognizing and supporting the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals who go above and past in difficult circumstances.

Amidst this disaster, some devoted healthcare professionals stood out. Ms. Anyait Deborah, an enrolled midwife within the particular care unit, was praised for offering wonderful care to newborns.

Equally, Ms. Anyango Zaituna, an enrolled midwife within the post-operative wing, acquired commendations from sufferers for her courtesy and exemplary care of moms. Ms.Teopista Babirye and Ms. Naisaza Hadijah praised her for treating them nicely and educating them concerning the correct food regimen that moms wanted to must stimulate breast milk for his or her new child infants. Regardless of the grim scenario, these commendable healthcare employees reveal the resilience and dedication wanted to rebuild belief within the healthcare system.

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