Luwero Hospital has taken a decisive action following allegations of extortion and misconduct involving medical interns and health workers.

The hospital administration convened a community engagement session at the Luwero Sub-county Community Hall to address concerns raised by local leaders and residents regarding health services.

During the meeting, attendees highlighted significant improvements in health services but expressed ongoing challenges with extortion, poor sanitation, and overcrowding at the hospital. Complaints included allegations that midwives and doctors were demanding money for deliveries and operations, leading to concerns about patient care and access.

Eddie Zziwa, the Luwero district councillor for Luwero sub-county, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that such practices could deter patients from seeking care at the hospital. Other officials, including Faridah Najjuma and Margaret Nansubuga, raised issues of overcrowding and sanitation in maternity wards.

Dr. Bruno Oyik, the medical superintendent of Luwero Hospital, acknowledged the complaints and assured attendees that measures were being taken to address them. He disclosed that two medical interns had been expelled for soliciting money from patients without supervision, while a health worker was under investigation for similar allegations.

According to Oyik, reports indicated that individuals were extorting patients, with sums ranging from Shs 200,000 to Shs 250,000.
“The hospital has established call lines for patients to report such cases, with disciplinary action promised against any implicated interns or health workers,” he said.

The hospital’s response aligns with a directive issued by Bernard Okello, the Luwero district human resource officer, prohibiting medical students from treating patients without supervision.

Okello warned of severe consequences for trainees found engaging in extortion or other illegal activities, urging residents to report misconduct to Dr. Innocent Nkonwa, the district health officer.