The management of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital has suspended a senior surgeon following allegations of extortion raised by a patient’s father. Mr. Charles Matovu accused the surgeon of soliciting a bribe of Shs700,000, claiming that his son, battling suspected kidney cancer, missed a necessary service at the hospital in October after failing to pay the accused doctor.
Mr. Matovu explained that they were advised that his son could undergo surgery at Masaka Hospital, but due to financial constraints, the operation did not proceed. Later, they discovered that the surgery was unnecessary, and the patient was referred to the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala for treatment.
The hospital administration initiated an investigation into the allegations, leading to the suspension of the accused surgeon. The suspension letter, dated December 5, cited numerous complaints about the surgeon’s alleged misconduct, including claims of carrying out “illegal theatre operations” over the weekend and conducting unnecessary surgery on a minor. The hospital director, Dr. James Elima, stated that the surgeon’s actions, coupled with multiple extortion allegations, indicated extortionist behavior that the institution could not tolerate.
The accused surgeon, who was under probation, denied the allegations, asserting that they were intended to tarnish his name. The hospital principal administrator, Mr. Charles Tumushiime, confirmed the suspension and informed the Health Service Commission about the surgeon’s conduct.
Health activists from the Southern Regional Social Rights Association have previously raised concerns about extortion at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, asserting that such misconduct discourages patients from seeking medical services at the facility.
