Edward Musisi

Hon. @CHRISBARYOMUNS1 @DrAyumeCharles and @DianaAtwine Kindly make impromptu visits to Mulago National Referral Hospital and reassess the conduct, professionalism and commitment of some of the doctors. My concern is based on two disturbing experiences involving patients who urgently needed medical attention. Two months ago, a friend collapsed in town and was rushed to Mulago. A CT scan was conducted, and the results showed a blood clot. When I pleaded with the doctor to assist and expedite the process, she became hostile and started asking about my tribe and where the patient came from. I humbly explained that those details could be provided, but the immediate priority was saving the patient’s life. Her response was arrogant and deeply disturbing. She told me that if I did not want to answer her questions, I should go and perform the surgery myself. At the Emergency Unit, there appeared to be deliberate delays and unnecessary obstacles, yet every second counted for this young man. I am generally a calm person who respects institutional procedures, but something about this situation did not feel right. I had to make several telephone calls, and within minutes, the staff suddenly became active and started attending to the patient. How many ordinary Ugandans are going through similar experiences and losing their loved ones because of such scenarios? I have since been told that some medical personnel allegedly use such delays to solicit money from patients’ relatives, leaving them desperate enough to offer whatever they can to secure treatment. I cannot independently verify this allegation, but if it is happening, it is a deeply troubling abuse of the medical profession. Two days ago, another patient was referred from Koboko to Mulago for specialised treatment after complications arising from a haemorrhoid surgery. The patient had reportedly been bleeding excessively for two weeks. The Emergency Unit initially attempted to assist through the normal procedures, but the patient was subsequently referred to a ward near the Heart Institute. To our utter disbelief, the doctor reportedly instructed the family to return to Koboko, claiming that the hospital could not manage the problem. These were people who had travelled more than 500 kilometres seeking specialised medical attention, only to be told to return home. They were also reportedly informed that if the problem required corrective surgery, they would have to wait until the 27th. The patient spent two days at the unit without receiving the necessary attention. Shocked by this treatment, I contacted a professor who had previously attended to the same patient. He questioned why the patient had been turned away. When we explained what had happened, he was equally perplexed and could not understand why someone in need of medical attention would be sent back without the appropriate intervention. He instructed us to return to the ward and contacted a doctor to attend to the patient. By evening, the patient was finally receiving the appropriate care. Why did it take all that intervention before the patient could receive the attention they desperately needed? Why the delays, and why was the patient turned away in the first place? It was particularly disturbing to see the urgency change when the senior doctor became involved. These experiences raise serious questions about patient care, professional conduct, accountability and the possibility of patients being subjected to unnecessary delays while their conditions deteriorate. Hon. Chris, Dr Charles and Dr Atwine, I appeal to you to make unannounced visits to Mulago, speak directly to patients and their attendants, and independently assess what happens in the wards and emergency units when senior officials are not around.