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Yumbe nurse free of neglect charges

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By  ROBERT ELEMA

Posted  Saturday, January 19   2013 at  02:00
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A nurse attached to Lodonga Health Centre III in Yumbe District has been cleared of neglect of duty.

Ms Faridah Mary was accused of neglect of duty by Ms Night Khalsum, 20, who alleged that she was left unattended to when she reported for labour in February last year.

Ms Khalsum said Ms Farida’s negligence led to the rupture of her uterus and eventual death of her baby at Yumbe Hospital.

The family then filed a case with the Uganda Human Rights Commission regional office to assist in following up the case.

However, Grade One Magistrate Simon Toloko on Wednesday ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was contradictory.

“Court being an independent institution does not need doubt in criminal proceedings. The evidence produced by the defence was unsatisfactory. Women should not be delayed at home when labour starts,” the magistrate ruled.

Dr Geoffrey Taban of Yumbe hospital testified that the victim was brought to the facility 48 hours late when the baby had already died in the womb.
During an operation at Yumbe hospital, the baby’s head was cut off and the body later was removed.

Medical report indicated that Ms Khalsum had a ruptured uterus.
Ms Khalsum’s husband, Mambo Yossa, has said he will appeal against the ruling.

The duo are residents of Kuno Village, Abuku Sub-county in Koboko District.

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