The Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning to doctors and health workers against misusing government health facilities for private treatment and neglecting patients, emphasizing that offenders will face both disciplinary and legal action.
The warning was delivered during the first National Community Health Baraza held in Mukono District. The event, organized by the Ministry in partnership with the Mukono District Local Government and implementing partners, took place at Kisowero Primary School playground in Nama Subcounty.
The Baraza was convened to strengthen community engagement, promote accountability, and improve the quality of healthcare services through open dialogue between leaders, health workers, and members of the public.
The engagement was led by Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine. He emphasized that government health facilities are established to serve the public and must operate strictly within professional ethics and national health policies.
Ministry officials cautioned doctors and medical personnel against abandoning patients at public facilities or using government resources to provide private treatment for personal gain. They stressed that such practices undermine public trust and compromise service delivery.
“Health workers must remain committed to their duties and ensure that patients receive timely, respectful, and quality care,” the Ministry stated.
During the open dialogue session, residents openly expressed concerns about challenges faced at government health facilities. Several community members reported instances of negligence by medical personnel, which they said had resulted in the deaths of mothers and other patients.
Other complaints included the absence of doctors while on duty, shortages of essential drugs, and inadequate infrastructure. Some residents cited cases where expectant mothers lacked beds during delivery, forcing them into uncomfortable and unsafe conditions.
Community members also raised concerns about alleged illegal charges at public health facilities. They called upon the Ministry to strengthen lower-level health centres, particularly in rural areas where access to referral hospitals remains limited.
In response to the concerns, Dr. Kasirye, Medical Superintendent of Mukono General Hospital, clarified that services in government general wards remain free of charge. He explained that only patients who choose to receive treatment in private wings are required to pay.
Mukono District leaders welcomed the Ministry’s initiative and commended ongoing investments in the health sector. The Vice Chairperson LC5, Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, applauded government efforts to construct health facilities and provide ambulances to enhance emergency response services.
Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka called for increased funding to Mukono General Hospital and improvements in infrastructure to match the district’s growing healthcare demands.
The District Health Officer, Dr. Steven Mulindwa, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to improving service delivery. He expressed optimism that with increased staffing, better equipment, and additional funding, health facilities in Mukono would significantly enhance the quality of care provided.
The Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono District, Ddamba Henry, pledged continued coordination with the Ministry of Health and committed to prioritizing the recruitment and deployment of additional health workers to address existing staffing gaps.
The Baraza also recognized the critical role played by Village Health Teams (VHTs) in bridging the gap between communities and health facilities. Leaders emphasized the need to facilitate and support VHTs to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Ministry officials encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of poor service delivery and to actively participate in monitoring health services to ensure accountability and sustained improvement.
The National Community Health Baraza in Mukono attracted hundreds of residents, district leaders, health officials, religious leaders, and representatives from various health institutions, including Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, and Living Goods, among others.
The engagement marked a significant step toward strengthening accountability, transparency, and collaboration between health workers, government leaders, and communities.
The Ministry of Health’s warning against patient neglect and misuse of public health facilities underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens’ right to quality healthcare. With renewed commitments from both national and district leadership to improve staffing, infrastructure, and supervision, Mukono District is poised to enhance health service delivery.
The active participation of residents and stakeholders reflected a shared responsibility in building a responsive, ethical, and people-centered health system that ensures every citizen receives dignified and quality medical care.
