Kitagata General Hospital in Sheema District is under scrutiny following multiple complaints from patients alleging extortion, absenteeism, and misconduct by some medical staff.
Dr. John Kabwiishwa, the hospital superintendent, has acknowledged that some staff members have been reported for demanding payments from patients, despite recent salary increments by the government.
“I can’t say all my staff are well-behaved; some act unprofessionally by asking for money from patients, arriving late, or not showing up at all. I have received several reports of extortion,” Dr. Kabwiishwa stated.
He added that the hospital’s rewards and sanctions committee has already summoned the implicated staff members and issued warnings.
Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Sam Orikunda, also confirmed taking steps to address the misconduct.
“I received reports of extortion, particularly in the maternity ward, and convened a meeting where one of the seriously implicated staff did not show up. We recommended disciplinary action,” Orikunda said. “The matter is now before the Chief Administrative Officer, and we expect action this week.”
The accused staff member, Navaless Matsika, allegedly charged patients between Shs 50,000 and Shs 70,000. However, Matsika has denied the accusations, stating, “I don’t normally ask people for money. When I am off duty, they still want to know where I am, and I feel tortured.”
Kitagata General Hospital, with a capacity of 100 beds, serves patients from Sheema, Buhweju, Rubirizi, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri districts. The hospital has faced significant strain, with inpatients doubling to 200 and an average of 500 patients arriving daily.