New twist in Mityana hospital management saga as DHO takes over
What you need to know:
- Last year, a number of computers, microscopes and a CD4 machine reportedly went missing from the hospital.
Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Norbert Ochom has said Dr Kawooya appeared at Mityana Central Police Station recently and recorded a statement.
The alleged irregular recruitment of staff and gross mismanagement of Mityana Hospital has forced the District Health Officer, Dr Fred Lwasampijja to take over as interim medical superintendent, Daily Monitor has established.
Mr Edward Muganga, the Mityana District Information Officer said the hospital medical superintendent Dr Vincent Kawooya, has been sent on forced leave to allow further investigations into his alleged misconduct.
“It is true Dr Kawooya has not reported to office for a while, and this is because he is on forced leave. To avoid a leadership vacuum, Dr Lwasampijja, has in the meantime been assigned to serve as acting medical superintendent,” he said on Wednesday.
Dr Kawooya’s troubles began last month when State House Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) released a report implicating him in the irregular recruitment of Mr Chris Ogwang to the hospital before he was found to be a quack doctor. Mr Ogwang was reportedly recruited as a surgical intern in May this year yet he lacked the expertise to do the job.
According to HMU findings, Mr Ogwang’s registration certificate from Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners (UMDPC) does not indicate the institute where he studied from and the year he qualified with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Dr Kawooya was accused of criminal negligence and HMU ordered for his arrest.
In a July 1 letter to then Chief Administrative Officer, Mr James Nkaata, Mityana District Chairperson Joseph Luzige directed the former to interdict Dr Kawooya like he had done to the other staff, but was transferred to Mukono District before doing so.
Also implicated in the same State House report are; Mr Kevin Wamimbi, a nurse at the hospital, Mr Edmond Ssendikwanawa, the district human resource officer in charge of the health department, and Mr George Sserwadda, the theatre assistant. The trio was arrested over criminal negligence and conspiracy to defraud, but were later released on police bond.
Mr Ogwang, who also faces counts of impersonation, forgery, uttering false documents and extortion, is still on the run.
Mityana District councillors have on several occasions accused staff at the hospital of extorting money from patients and stealing medical equipment. State House investigations also revealed that some unscrupulous health workers at the facility smuggle out drugs and medical equipment using coffins.
Last year, a number of computers, microscopes and a CD4 machine reportedly went missing from the hospital.
Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Norbert Ochom has said Dr Kawooya appeared at Mityana Central Police Station recently and recorded a statement.
“Dr Kawooya came like the other three suspects, recorded a statement and was released on a police bond. His file is with state attorney and we expect to get it this week and then follow whichever advice will be given by the state attorney,” Mr Ochom said on Wednesday.
