The Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation, chaired by Hon. Abed Bwanika, has ordered an investigation into the Director of Gulu Hospital over alleged misuse of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) equipment. The committee’s directive follows allegations that officials at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital have dismantled its ICU, raising concerns about the misuse of critical medical resources.
The investigation was initiated after a monitoring visit by Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), the Uganda Red Cross Society, and the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Medical Services. During the visit, the urgent need to increase staffing and resources at the hospital was highlighted. The monitoring team emphasized the necessity for additional fuel to improve regional emergency services, ambulance operations, and blood transfusion services.
The committee’s probe aims to uncover the reasons behind the dismantling of the ICU and to ensure accountability among the hospital’s officials. The alleged misuse of ICU equipment has sparked concern among stakeholders, as it directly impacts the hospital’s ability to provide critical care to patients in need.
The monitoring visit to Gulu Hospital brought to light several challenges faced by the facility. Among these challenges is the urgent need to increase the number of healthcare workers and enhance the availability of essential resources. The lack of adequate fuel for ambulance operations was particularly noted as a significant hindrance to providing timely emergency services.
