Residents decry poor services at Hoima regional referral hospital
He confirmed that investigations had established that some of the allegations were true and that one staff member is currently under investigation.
Hoima: Residents from the Bunyoro sub-region have raised concerns over poor service delivery at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital during an engagement with the State House Health Monitoring Unit.
The engagement took place during a community baraza held at Hoima Booma Grounds on Tuesday, where residents were invited to share feedback about the services offered at the hospital.
Many community members expressed disappointment with the quality of services at the facility, although a few acknowledged some improvements.
Jenifer Karungi, a resident of Hoima City, said hospital staff often show little sympathy to families who lose their loved ones at the facility, despite them being in moments of grief.
Karungi also raised concerns about the conduct of Uganda People’s Defence Force officers deployed at the hospital gate.
Another resident, David Kasana, complained that some doctors and nurses at the hospital are reluctant to attend to patients and sometimes neglect them.
John Bosco Ruhweza accused some staff members of indiscipline and engaging in corrupt tendencies.
Similarly, Moreen Kusemererwa alleged that some doctors prioritize patients who can pay money, leaving poor patients unattended.
Meanwhile, Tadeo Asaba, a resident from Buliisa District, raised concerns about sanitation at the hospital, particularly the condition of toilets and the lack of mosquito nets on some patient beds.
Student nurses were also accused of being rude to patients and lacking customer care.
However, Promise Kusiima, a student nurse at Hoima School of Nursing, said such situations sometimes arise because some patients undermine student nurses while they are performing their duties.
The hospital director, Dr. Ibrahim Bwagga, appreciated residents for providing feedback and assured them that the management would address the concerns raised.
Margret Abigaba, a hospital staff member tasked by the director to respond to complaints about the alleged sale of medicines, explained that the hospital does not always have medicines for specialized treatment, forcing patients to purchase them elsewhere.
She added that the facility is also challenged by a high number of patients seeking treatment, which often leads to shortages of essential medicines.
Meanwhile, Dr. Elijah Ssemaganda, Assistant Director at the State House Health Monitoring Unit, said their visit to the hospital was prompted by reports of theft involving medicines, laptops, lightning arresters, and other equipment.
He confirmed that investigations had established that some of the allegations were true and that one staff member is currently under investigation.
Dr. Ssemaganda added that some of the issues identified are already being handled by the hospital’s disciplinary, rewards, and sanctions committee.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
