A doctor has been arrested for refusing to operate on an expectant mother before she paid shillings 200,000 for a cesarean operation.
The Pallisa government hospital doctor identified as Dr. Jesse Naaya declined to work on the woman unless her family paid the fee. Police arrested him upon learning of the incident.
According to the law enforcement body, the suspect was arrested on allegations of corruption and abuse of office, after he demanded shillings 200,000/= to perform an operation on an expectant mother, who had failed to deliver normally.
It is said that when the husband to the expectant woman failed to raise the money, he reported the matter to the district RDC Majid Dhikusooka, who acted swiftly and ordered for the arrest of the suspect.
The woman was then operated upon and successfully gave birth.
Authorities claim that in addition to corruption and abuse of office, the doctor who is currently in detention also violated the professional code of ethics and put both the expectant mother's and her unborn child's lives in danger.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga told the press that such arrest and the charges slapped on the suspect demonstrates police commitment to stemming acts of corruption, bribery and extortion out of government hospitals. “As alleged, our health care system that serves vulnerable population, has been undermined by such individuals,” he said
“Going forward, we will continue to partner with all victimised and vulnerable persons, and other stakeholders, to vigorously pursue those who use government health care programs for personal gains,” he added .
The joint security task force commended the office of RDC Pallisa district , the DPC, the local government , district health staff , the courageous victim and her husband, and the public for their efforts towards fighting corruption.