Health workers at Masindi General Hospital have been warned against staging a sit-down strike in protest over the arrest of two colleagues accused of extorting money from a patient seeking emergency treatment.
The hospital superintendent, Dr Rogers Musinguzi, says some staff members are secretly mobilising colleagues to withdraw services in solidarity with Dr Vincent Katusiime and Chris Muhumuza, who were arrested last week. The two are accused of demanding 200,000 shillings from a patient whose wife needed an emergency procedure following a miscarriage.
According to information gathered by Uganda Radio Network, an ultrasound examination showed that the woman had a dead foetus in her womb and required urgent medical attention.
The couple, Badru Musiya and his wife Frasin Owinjeneye, allegedly paid the 200,000 shillings after the health workers demanded the money to remove the foetus through an operation.
The couple was later referred to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. The health workers allegedly demanded another 300,000 shillings, reportedly claiming that the money was needed to provide fuel for a government ambulance.
The couple was unable to raise the additional money and reportedly became suspicious, prompting them to report the matter to Masindi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Sanon Dhala.
Dhala subsequently ordered the arrest of the two health workers. Their arrest has angered some of their colleagues, who are reportedly planning a sit-down strike.
However, Musinguzi has cautioned the health workers against taking industrial action, saying withdrawing services would deny patients access to essential medical care.
He says any industrial action must have a genuine basis and comply with labour laws. The dispute comes as several health workers at Masindi General Hospital are reportedly under investigation for allegations including extortion, corruption and neglect of duty.
The allegations have raised questions about patients being asked to pay for services that should be provided at the government facility, while a possible strike could further disrupt access to healthcare for patients who depend on the hospital-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
