State Minister for Local Government, Justine Nameere, has ordered a sweeping crackdown on absenteeism, extortion, and unprofessional conduct at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital following public complaints and whistleblower reports.
The minister revealed she conducted unannounced spot checks at the facility last week before holding a follow-up meeting with the hospital administration to address systemic concerns affecting service delivery.
In a statement, Nameere outlined a series of measures agreed upon to restore accountability and improve patient care.
“More hospital inspectors will be deployed, and additional staff assigned to the control room to monitor CCTV footage,” she said.
“Firm action will be taken against absenteeism, extortion of money from patients, and any unprofessional conduct by health workers.”
She noted that recent salary enhancements and staff recruitment had removed any justification for negligence among medical personnel.
“The administration confirmed improved pay and staffing. There is therefore no excuse for absenteeism without valid reason, extortion, or misconduct,” Nameere added.
To strengthen oversight, the minister committed to making monthly visits to the hospital, alongside continued impromptu inspections informed by whistleblower reports.
On service delivery, Nameere raised concerns over delayed payments for medical interns and called for government intervention to make scan services free, citing affordability challenges among patients.
“We discussed the need for government to ensure scan services are accessible to all, as many patients cannot afford them,” she said.
The minister also addressed complaints from Masaka residents about alleged mistreatment by some health workers.
“I raised concerns about reports that some nurses are rude to patients. The administration has promised to intensify counseling to ensure staff are more compassionate and patient-centered,” she noted.
Nameere, however, acknowledged improvements at the facility, highlighting that no mothers are currently sleeping on the floor following the operationalization of a new complex. She added that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is now fully equipped.
In a separate directive, the minister ordered the arrest of an individual accused of defrauding patients within the hospital premises.
“It is unacceptable to use any political affiliation as a cover to steal from patients,” she said.
Nameere further pledged to lobby the government for increased infrastructure and drug supplies, emphasizing that public resources must directly benefit citizens.
“Public money must be used for public service delivery—for every mother, father, youth, and child,” she stated.