The Otuke District Chairman, Francis Abola, has warned health workers at government facilities against illegally charging patients, following the introduction of a modern digital X-ray machine at Orum Health Centre IV.
Abola issued the caution on Thursday, June 5, during the official handover of the machine by the Ministry of Health.
He said the new equipment was part of a national effort to improve diagnostics, and not a political donation.
“This is not a donation from any politician or individual,” Abola said.
“It is a government initiative that benefits all Ugandans equally. Otuke and Amolatar were the only districts selected in the Lango sub-region, which is a significant vote of confidence in our healthcare efforts.”
He said the district had received complaints that some health workers were asking patients to pay for services that are meant to be free—especially at facilities where government equipment had recently been installed.
He vowed to crack down on such practices, warning that culprits would face disciplinary action.
“We will not tolerate any form of extortion in our health centres,” he said. “This machine must be used to serve every citizen fairly, and anyone found collecting unauthorized fees will be dealt with.”
Orum Health Centre IV now serves not only Otuke but also patients from neighbouring districts including Alebtong, Abim, and Agago.
Abola urged staff to match the facility’s growing reputation with higher standards of ethics and professionalism.
“We must deliver services with integrity and compassion,” he said. “While the majority of our health workers are dedicated, we are closely observing a few whose behaviour is under review. We won’t hesitate to act where necessary.”
The new portable digital X-ray unit is expected to expand the health centre’s capacity to diagnose and treat fractures, chest infections, and other conditions requiring imaging.
Officials hope it will reduce referrals to distant regional hospitals and bring timely care closer to remote communities.
Abola said the installation of the machine marked a turning point in the district’s efforts to ensure equitable access to health services.
“This is a major step toward accessible and quality healthcare for our people,” he said.
“With such tools, we can ensure that even those in remote areas receive the medical attention they deserve without having to pay out of pocket for services that are already funded by the government.”
The chairperson’s statement comes amid growing concerns countrywide about informal fees charged by health workers at public facilities, a practice that often places a burden on poor households and undermines trust in the public health system.
In Otuke, Abola said, the message from the district leadership was clear: government health services must remain free, fair, and open to all.