Ministry of Health Warns Doctors Against Neglecting Patients and Misusing Government Health Facilities

The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to doctors and health workers against neglecting patients and misusing government health facilities for private treatment, emphasizing that offenders will face disciplinary and legal action.

This warning was delivered during the first National Community Health Baraza held in Mukono District, organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Mukono District Local Government and implementing partners. The baraza aimed to strengthen community engagement, promote accountability, and improve the quality of healthcare services through open dialogue between leaders, health workers, and the public.

The engagement was led by Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine. It attracted hundreds of residents, district leaders, health officials, religious leaders, and representatives from various health institutions including Mukono General Hospital, Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Living Goods, and other partners.

During the dialogue, the Ministry of Health cautioned doctors and medical personnel against abandoning patients at government health facilities or using public resources to provide private treatment for personal gain. Ministry officials emphasized that government health facilities are established to serve the public and must operate within professional ethics and national health policies.

The Ministry urged health workers to remain committed to their responsibilities and ensure that patients receive timely, respectful, and quality care.

Residents used the platform to openly express their concerns about challenges faced at health facilities. Some reported lack of doctors on duty, shortages of essential drugs, and inadequate infrastructure, including cases where expectant mothers lacked beds during delivery.

Community members also raised concerns about alleged illegal charges at government health facilities and called upon the Ministry to strengthen lower-level health centres, especially in rural areas where access to referral hospitals remains difficult.

In response, Dr. Kasirye, Medical Superintendent of Mukono General Hospital, clarified that services in government general wards remain free, and only patients who opt for private wings are required to pay.

Mukono District leaders welcomed the Ministry’s initiative and appreciated ongoing investments in the district’s health sector. The Vice Chairperson LC5, Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, commended government efforts to construct health facilities and provide ambulances to improve emergency services.

The Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Nabitaka called for increased funding to Mukono General Hospital and improvement of infrastructure to meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.

The District Health Officer Dr. Steven Mulindwa reaffirmed the district’s commitment to improving service delivery and expressed optimism that with increased staffing, equipment, and funding, Mukono’s health facilities would deliver better services.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono District, Ddamba Henry pledged continued coordination with the Ministry of Health and committed to prioritizing recruitment and deployment of additional health workers to address existing staffing gaps.

The baraza also recognized the important role played by Village Health Teams (VHTs) in bridging the gap between communities and health facilities. Leaders emphasized the need to support and facilitate VHTs to strengthen healthcare delivery at grassroots level.

Ministry officials encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of poor service delivery and participate actively in monitoring health services to ensure accountability and improvement.

The National Community Health Baraza in Mukono marked a significant step toward strengthening accountability, transparency, and collaboration between health workers, government leaders, and communities. The Ministry of Health’s warning against patient neglect and misuse of public health facilities underscores government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ right to quality healthcare.

With renewed commitments from both government and district leadership to improve staffing, infrastructure, and supervision, Mukono District is positioned to enhance health service delivery. The active participation of residents and stakeholders reflects a shared responsibility in building a responsive, ethical, and people-centered health system that ensures every citizen receives dignified and quality medical care.