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Masindi Doctor Arrested Over Extortion

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Masindi Doctor Arrested Over Extortion
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Sylvia Karungi, a secretary for health in Masindi, noted that there have been several complaints from patients about being asked to pay money to access theatre services.

 

Authorities in Masindi have arrested a doctor attached to the district hospital for allegedly extorting money from a patient whose condition required a surgical operation.

The doctor is said to have asked for Shs800,000 from a 62-year-old woman, a resident of Pakanyi Sub-county, in exchange for a life-saving surgery.

Sylvia Karungi, a secretary for health in Masindi, noted that there have been several complaints from patients about being asked to pay money to access theatre services.

"The doctor asked for Shs800,000 from Alipostina Angeyango, who had gone to the hospital seeking treatment after an illness, but her condition called for a surgical operation," Karungi stated.

"We have been receiving complaints about health workers extorting money from patients to get theatre services. He has been arrested and will serve as an example to others," Karungi warned.

The arrest followed a management committee meeting, where the situation was raised after the patient's relative interrupted the meeting to inform the attendees that the doctor had refused to proceed with the operation unless the requested money was paid.

"Working with the police, we devised a plan to arrest the doctor in the act. In fact, the patient's relatives presented part of the requested money, which they had photocopied as proof. A security operative followed the relative as she handed over the payment, and Dr. Kadiima was immediately arrested while receiving the money," Karungi explained.

Dr. Rogers Musinguzi, the Masindi Hospital medical superintendent, confirmed the doctor's arrest.

"A lot of complaints have been coming in without proof. We appreciate the boldness of this lady’s relatives; they worked well with security, and at least we have made an arrest. He has been taken to Masindi Central Police Station to answer charges of money extortion," he said.

Dr. Musinguzi emphasized that the hospital will not tolerate such behavior.

"Our ethics say saving lives comes first. We will not tolerate bad elements in the system. We urge the general public to report any cases of being asked for money for services or medicine, and we will respond and take action," he said.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest but mentioned that details surrounding the case were still limited.

"I have spoken to our officers in Masindi, and they have confirmed that Dr. Kadiima is in our custody. We will provide further information once we have all the details," he stated.

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