Luwero Hospital has terminated the internship of two medical students, and one health worker is still under investigation for alleged extortion.
According to Dr. Bruno Oyik, the Medical Superintendent of Luwero Hospital, who was addressing the press on May 9, 2024, the incident happened on May 8, 2024, at the Luwero Sub County Community Hall after an engagement that was held by the Luweero Hospital administration with local leaders and residents to assess client satisfaction, get feedback on health services, and identify areas for improvement.
During the feedback, the local leaders and residents told the hospital administration that although there was significant improvement in health services, extortion was one of the biggest challenges the residents were facing, and that is when the two medical students and a health worker were reported to the hospital administration.
The local leaders and residents also emphasised the poor sanitation and congestion in the hospital, which are still challenges in the hospital.
Dr. Oyik acknowledged the complaints and said the hospital was going to take measures to address them in a bid to restore public trust and the hospital’s image.
He also said that the hospital administration is trying to wipe out the extortion vice amongst the doctors in the hospital, but it can only happen with the help of the patients who come with proof of the extortion.
“The issue of extortion and corruption in hospitals usually involves the one giving the money and the one receiving it however usually the prompts come from those who are giving the money, so we are requesting our people that in case there is any medical personnel who request for money, immediately they should come to us, notify us so that we use our means and channels to address this issue,” Dr. Oyik stated.
The names of the suspects were withheld; however, they are reported to have left hospital premises.
Dr. Oyik called upon the local leaders and patients in Luwero to join the hospital administration in the fight against extortion because it has left some patients unattended because they do not have money, which damages the hospital’s reputation and endangers lives.