Masindi General Hospital Under Fire for Alleged Extortion and Neglect

Masindi General Hospital is currently embroiled in controversy due to widespread allegations of extortion and neglect of duty by its staff. Patients have reported being asked for money for services that are supposed to be provided free of charge by the public health facility.

The crackdown on these alleged practices has led to the arrest of at least three health workers, with 19 others facing disciplinary action for various offenses, including failure to wear uniforms. The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Sanon Dhala, has vowed to punish any staff found guilty, stating that the operation will persist until the vice is eradicated.

A recent case highlights the severity of the accusations. A woman requiring urgent medical attention for a miscarriage was allegedly asked to pay Shs200,000 by a clinical officer for an operation. Despite payment, she was later referred to another hospital, where further demands for money were reportedly made for ambulance fuel. This incident prompted an investigation and the arrest of the health worker involved.

Hospital leadership is working to implement measures to curb these issues. Patients are now encouraged to report any instances of staff demanding payment for free services by contacting hospital leaders or displaying telephone numbers of district officials at the facility. These efforts aim to improve accountability and ensure patients receive the care they are entitled to without financial burden.

Despite resistance from some staff who allegedly benefit from these illicit practices, the hospital superintendent, Dr. Rogers Musinguzi, remains committed to enforcing discipline and improving service delivery, emphasizing that all services at Masindi General Hospital are free. He has also reported facing threats due to his efforts to combat corruption within the hospital.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/extortion-allegations-rock-masindi-general-hospital-5611672