Prayers for Corruption-Free Services Dominate Dokolo HC IV Handover as Patients about to enter the Operating Theatre are suddenly told to make cash payments ranging from UGX 50K-150K for their scheduled Surgery.
DOKOLO – At the handover ceremony for Dokolo Health Center IV, there were persistent and unanimous pleas for transparency and corruption-free practices within the facility.
There have been numerous allegations from patients seeking surgical services at the center, that they attended pre-surgical reviews but were not informed of surgical fees. There are notices informing patients that treatment at the facility is free. Patients have an expectation of free treatment as they get into surgical gowns. As Patients approach the operating theatre, they are suddenly given cash demands ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 shillings. There have been allegations of Patients being locked away, separated from their loved ones, effectively kidnapped, until full payment was received.
The community, along with government officials, expressed their commitment to identify people committing serious criminal offences and hold them accountable. They pledged to create an environment prioritising the well-being of patients.
Victory Outreach Church Ministry’s Pastor, Lawrence Ogwang, called on Health Workers to serve patients with compassion and integrity, warning them against becoming a source of suffering for poor people seeking medical care.
Pastor Ogwang made the appeal at the handover and farewell party for the outgoing In-charge of Dokolo Health Centre IV, Dr. Emanuel Odur, and Sr. Susan Acai, held at the health facility’s grounds.
He urged Health Workers to carry out their duties in a manner that glorifies God and with their whole heart, citing Colossians 3:23. “Do not be the source of suffering to poor people who exercise their human right to access medical services,” he pleaded, stressing that offering service to the sick is a service to God.
Speaking at the function, Peter Ekilu, Senior Environmental Health Officer for Dokolo District who represented the District Health Officer, commended Dr. Odur for the good services he rendered at Dokolo HC IV and encouraged him to maintain excellence at his next station.
Ekilu called on the facility team to work closely with the incoming In-charge, Dr. Geoffrey Ocen, to ensure smooth service delivery.
All medical professionals take an oath to ‘first, do no harm’. He cautioned staff against practices that went against the first principle of the healthcare provision.
Morish Obong, District Internal Auditor who spoke on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, noted that over seven doctors who have served at Dokolo HC IV have since earned transfers on promotion.
He emphasized the need for full accountability and a corruption-free environment in all health facilities across Dokolo District.
In his remarks, Dr. Geoffrey Ocen, the incoming In-charge of Dokolo HC IV, expressed excitement about his promotion and pledged total commitment to delivering quality health services to the community.
The outgoing In-charge, Dr. Emanuel Odur, has been transferred to Ober HC IV in Lira City in the same capacity.
Sr. Susan Acai, who served as In-charge of Maternity at Dokolo HC IV, has been transferred to Gulu Cancer Institute as a Nursing Officer.
