Residents in Amuria District are calling for an independent investigation into alleged delays, payment demands and equipment failures at Amuria General Hospital, saying the problems may have contributed to preventable deaths.
The residents accuse hospital staff of failing to respond promptly to patients requiring emergency and surgical care. They also allege that some patients are asked to pay for operations before treatment and are referred to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital only after their conditions have deteriorated.
The allegations have prompted calls for an investigation into the hospital administration, nursing staff and theatre operations.
Among the cases cited by residents is that of Victor Eyeru, 39, from Asamuk Sub-county, who died after undergoing surgery at Amuria Hospital and being referred to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
Rose Akello, who attended to Eyeru, said she was taken to the hospital after doctors recommended surgery for a uterine condition.
Akello said Eyeru was still able to walk when they arrived and was scheduled for surgery the following day. She said they were instructed not to allow her to eat, but that a nurse later told them to prepare her for surgery after she had eaten lunch.
“I told the nurse that Eyeru had eaten, but the nurse insisted doctors would administer medication to induce vomiting before surgery,” Akello alleged.
She said Eyeru walked into the theatre while her attendants waited outside.
According to Akello, Eyeru began vomiting heavily through her mouth and nose after the operation and her condition deteriorated.
“She was operated on Saturday, and by Sunday her condition had worsened, but there was no doctor to attend to her. It was only on Monday, when Dr. Aisu arrived, that he questioned why the nurses had not informed him earlier,” she said.
Eyeru was later referred to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where she died.
Residents also cited the case of Betty Amiaro of Odoon Village in Apeduru Sub-county, who died after being transferred to Soroti following complications during labour.
Sophia Alajo, who accompanied Amiaro to Amuria Hospital, said they arrived at about 8 p.m. on a Saturday and were told she needed surgery.
She said Amiaro was not taken to theatre until about 11 p.m., despite repeated attempts to contact the doctor.
“The doctor examined her several times and said because she was bleeding and the hospital had no power, he was not sure she could survive the journey to Soroti. We were asked to pay Shs80,000 for an ambulance. I requested a blood transfusion, but the doctor said there was nothing the hospital could do and referred us to Soroti,” Alajo said.
Pius Esimu, Amiaro’s husband, said the delay and lack of reliable electricity further complicated the emergency.
“Even after we entered the theatre, there was no electricity and the generator kept failing. I offered to repair it because I am a mechanic, but I was told only the hospital technician could handle it,” he said.
Esimu said the family eventually paid Shs80,000 for an ambulance to transfer Amiaro to Soroti, but there was no medical escort.
“My wife continued bleeding throughout the journey,” he said. Amiaro and her baby were later pronounced dead after surgery at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
Residents also allege that inability to pay for services contributes to delays in care. Robert Ecunu accused hospital staff of prioritizing patients who can pay.
“If you go to that hospital without money, especially for theatre services, you won’t receive treatment. Patients who can pay are prioritized while others are left waiting until they are referred to Soroti when it is already too late,” he alleged.
Peter Achopas, a catechist at Holy Rosary Lepanto in Asamuk Parish, made similar allegations, saying some patients are asked to pay unofficial fees before receiving services.
“If you arrive without money, you are left waiting until someone tells you that you must pay first. Even medicines said to be out of stock suddenly become available for those who can pay,” he alleged.
The residents are also concerned about the availability of electricity, blood and other supplies needed for emergency care.
James Omoding, the councillor for Odoon Parish, questioned why patients are sometimes referred late when the hospital lacks essential resources.
“If the hospital knows it lacks blood, water or electricity, why does it delay referrals instead of acting immediately?” he asked.
Anthony Ochen, LC I chairperson of Ogemu Village, called for government intervention, saying the reported deaths have caused fear in the community.
Residents are also asking the government to ensure that doctors responsible for emergency care live in Amuria District rather than commuting from Soroti, saying this would improve response times.
Dr. Emmanuel Aisu, the medical superintendent of Amuria General Hospital, said he had received a report about Amiaro’s case from Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and had launched an investigation.
“When junior doctors encounter challenges, they sometimes make decisions that later raise accountability questions. I have two generators and backup solar power available for operations,” Aisu said.
He said the hospital was investigating why the doctors on duty did not perform the required surgery and whether proper procedures were followed.
Aisu acknowledged that deaths occur in hospitals, including at Mulago National Referral Hospital, but said the circumstances surrounding the cases at Amuria Hospital must be established through investigation.
The residents have called for the investigation to be conducted independently and for the findings to be used to address gaps in emergency care and restore confidence in the hospital.
