By Joseph Ayolo
Moroto, Uganda:
The management of Moroto Regional Referral Hospital will face legal action as the relatives of a mother who died during childbirth have decided to pursue justice through the courts.
Sarah Nadye’s family has enlisted the services of a lawyer to represent them in a case against Moroto Regional Referral Hospital. Nadye tragically lost her life due to what the public perceives as negligence by the nurses on duty.
According to the deceased’s aunt, Nakoroi, Sarah Nadye arrived at the hospital and remained unattended for five days until she began experiencing labor pains.
“She was eventually rushed to the theater by individuals who lacked the necessary expertise. It was only then that they realized the newborn had sustained cuts on the hand and eye,” Nakoroi stated.
She further explained that the medical staff failed to revive the deceased mother and, shockingly, pulled her onto the ward floor while she was still on oxygen with her abdomen opened. Despite expressing concerns, the doctors vanished from sight.
Nakoroi recounted how other doctors arrived later and began suturing the deceased’s abdomen while she was still in the ward. Unfortunately, during this procedure, Sarah started experiencing hiccups and eventually passed away.
Although the hospital administration contends that the mother arrived late, this argument was refuted during a public meeting with the hospital board, where community members expressed outrage at the hospital’s management.
Raphael Lokiru, a relative of the deceased, affirmed that they are seeking legal redress due to the overwhelming evidence of negligence they have compiled against the hospital.
“We will not allow the hospital to escape accountability for the death of our loved one,” Lokiru asserted.
Lokiru emphasized that Sarah Nadye was young and pregnant with her first child, underscoring the tragedy of her untimely demise.
Another relative, James Loputh, highlighted the recurring issue of maternal deaths attributed to negligence at Moroto Regional Referral Hospital. He urged for justice, questioning how long such tragedies would persist.
Peter Louse, a concerned resident, demanded accountability from the hospital’s management, revealing that they have gathered evidence including a list and photographs of mothers who have died due to negligence at the hospital.
Efforts to reach Steven Pande, the hospital director, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls.
It has been discovered that more than 20 individuals are willing to testify against the hospital should the case proceed to court.
