Intern doctors decry harassment

MBALE. Intern doctors at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital have threatened to stop work over what they describe as “threats and unnecessary arrests of their colleagues.”
The doctors condemn the manner in which the State House medicines and health service delivery monitoring unit has taken upon itself to incarcerate doctors across the country without following the due process.
One such arrest was in Mityana hospital last week following the death of a mother who was reportedly neglected after she failed to raise Shs5, 000 for her medical care.

The interns say they will lay down their tools and hold a nation-wide peaceful demonstration if nothing is done.
“Arresting doctors like chicken thieves is unfair. Let’s work as a team instead of harassing us,” said Dr Silas Ayeko, the president of the interns at Mbale hospital. He said doctors do not condone professional negligence.
“We condemn the malicious rumours pertaining the matter and the concerted effort to tarnish the image of doctors and medical practitioners across the country,” Dr Ayeko said.
He further pointed out the lack of basic medicines in hospitals and asked government to ensure that hospitals are well equipped.
“There are systemic failures on the ground which make it difficult for medical professionals to carry out their duties. We expected the government to solve that problem of drug shortages instead of harassing us,” Dr Ayeko said.

The Chairperson Elgon Region Medical Association, Dr Mohammed Mulongo, said acts of intimidation should cease immediately.
Dr Mulongo who is also Bulambuli District health officer (DHO) said there is rampant arrest and illegal dentation of doctors across the country.
“Many doctors are on the verge of leaving the country due to harassment. We are mistreated as if we didn’t go to school,” DR Mulongo said.
A press release dated February 17 signed by the general secretary of the Uganda Medical Association, Dr Obuku Ekwaru, demanded that doctors be handled with the dignity they deserve and in accordance with the legal procedures.

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