Impostors Posing as Doctors Exploit Patients at Mulago Hospital

Mulago National Referral Hospital faces a growing crisis from impostors infiltrating its wards, preying on vulnerable patients and families by demanding payments for services that are legally free.

In the acute children’s emergency ward, Penina Atieno, a former hawker with no medical qualifications, posed as ‘Dr Atieno’ using a stethoscope to deceive frantic parents. She was arrested alongside Ivan Kamya, caught in the dental unit collecting Shs 10,000 as a fake ‘consultation fee’ from a suspicious attendant.

A hospital CCTV whistleblower revealed an underground economy where security guards allegedly take Shs 4,000 daily from each hawker to grant access, despite management bans. Reports of middlemen fighting over territories in casualty areas underscore the impunity.

Patient Anne Birungi shared her ordeal, paying Shs 22,000 to a man in a clinical coat for a promised doctor callback that never happened. She later found the real doctor on duty, realizing the scam.

Hospital spokesperson Gladys Baligonzaki Kajura confirmed ongoing arrests with security support and the launch of a patient self-care desk to address complaints and emphasize free services. Atieno and Kamya, transferred to Wandegeya police station, face extortion charges in court soon.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)