By KT Reporter
The Allied Health Professionals Council – Uganda (AHPC) has intensified its crackdown on private health facilities operating illegally in the Karamoja sub-region, shutting down several units in Moroto District and Napak District over serious compliance gaps that officials say put patients’ lives at risk. The enforcement operation revealed widespread irregularities, including employment of unqualified staff, poor healthcare waste management, inadequate drug storage, and operation without valid registration.
In Moroto, four drug shops in Kosiroi Trading Centre were closed for failing to meet the required standards, while a clinic in Moroto town was shut down for operating without registration. Inspectors found that some of the facilities had reportedly been established by medical professionals working in government health centres, but were left in the hands of unqualified personnel.
In Napak District, inspectors reported similar challenges. Several clinics were cited for poor waste disposal systems, improper storage of medicines, and reliance on unqualified staff to manage operations. Peter Orwom, the Regional Allied Supervisor, said the inspection exposed alarming trends in the private health sector. He noted that many professionals were operating illegal facilities, and that some of the staff running the clinics were neither qualified nor registered with the relevant professional bodies.
Orwom added that most of the health units visited had enrolled nurses and laboratory assistants managing entire facilities, which is not acceptable under the law. He further observed that in some cases, facilities were left under the care of students who are not permitted to work independently due to a lack of supervision.
He also raised concern about the physical condition of some premises, describing them as dilapidated and unfit to operate as health units. Orwom warned that the council will continue conducting inspections to ensure compliance and safeguard patient safety.
Michael Kayizi Mubiru, Quality Assurance Manager at AHPC, cautioned that non-compliant facilities will face strict penalties, including possible arrest of proprietors. Mubiru said the council has resumed its nationwide inspection programme, advising facility owners to meet the required standards and taking enforcement action against those who fail to comply.He emphasized that every health worker must be trained by a recognized institution and licensed by the relevant Health Professions Council before practicing. Additionally, health facilities must be properly registered and operate strictly within the scope of their license.
Mubiru observed that many of the inspected facilities had significant gaps, and those found in the worst condition were ordered to close until they address the deficiencies. He warned that continued illegal operation would lead to arrests. He added that a monitoring team has been deployed to remain on the ground and ensure that the affected health units fulfill the required standards, although many proprietors have pledged to comply.
Andrew Ahimbisibwe, Senior Quality Assurance Officer in charge of clinical services at AHPC, reiterated that unregistered practitioners are prohibited from working without supervision. Ahimbisibwe urged graduates of medical training institutions to formally register with the relevant professional councils to be legally recognized as health workers and allowed to operate in private health units.
He expressed concern over the condition of some premises where human medicines were sold, noting that several rooms were congested or used for multiple purposes, compromising service delivery. According to Ahimbisibwe, every health facility should have basic functional areas, including a reception, consultation room, treatment room, and counseling room. He further highlighted that inadequate human resources remain a major challenge, with many facilities operating with only one staff member managing all services.
He encouraged clinical officers to employ at least one nurse to support service delivery and enhance the quality of care. Ahimbisibwe also pointed out that some professionals fail to renew their personal and operational licenses in time, yet this is a mandatory requirement for anyone engaged in the sale or administration of human medicines. He revealed that regional structures have been established to ease registration and license renewal processes for health professionals.
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