Ishaka Adventist Hospital has refuted social media claims that it charges persons living with HIV for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.
In a statement, the hospital addressed a viral tweet by one Godfrey Bainomugisha , who sought clarification regarding claims by Flavia Asio.
Asio had alleged that her uncle was charged Shs70,000 per ARV tablet at the facility.
“These social media allegations are NOT TRUE and should be treated with utmost contempt,” said Zadock Amanyisa, the hospital’s communications officer.
According to the hospital, ART services at its HIV clinic are entirely free of charge, and no client is required to make any payments for ARVs.
However, the hospital clarified that some HIV patients may develop opportunistic infections due to weakened immunity, requiring treatment beyond the standard ART scope.
In such cases, affordable charges apply, but only for additional medical services, not ARVs.
“No where in the HIV client flow (from triage to the pharmacy) do clients meet a cashier or are asked to pay,” the statement reads.
The allegation has drawn the attention of the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, who urged the Ministry of Health to investigate.
“No hospital should sell HIV ARVs. If it’s happening, report it to district authorities or to the UNAIDS office,” Byanyima stated on X.
She condemned what she described as a growing trend of wealthier individuals bribing health workers to secure ARVs, creating artificial shortages that leave vulnerable patients at risk.
“We are not going to allow rich people to bribe health workers and buy up FREE HIV medicines (ARVs) to stock up for themselves, cause unnecessary shortages, and leave poor and vulnerable people to die. No!” Byanyima declared.
She urged Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine to intervene, stressing that every life matters.
The hospital urged anyone claiming to have paid money for ARVs to present a receipt or documented proof of the transaction.
All official payments at the hospital, it noted, are recorded and receipted by staff members who wear name tags for easy identification.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to providing free ART services and encouraged the public to use its official communication channels for inquiries.