HEALTH
A 28-year-old woman, Trust Ayesiga, from Muzira, Kyangyenyi in Sheema District, died following complications after childbirth at Diisi Medical Centre in Bwizibwera Mbarara district. The incident has sparked concern over maternal healthcare practices and accountability at the facility.
According to her mother, Ayesiga had earlier undergone an ultrasound scan which revealed a condition referred to as “cord nachal” where the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck. She reported the findings to the midwife on duty, who acknowledged the condition and advised her to give Ayesiga water to help the uterus open.
Ayesiga was later taken into the operating theatre, where she successfully delivered a baby girl. However, medical staff reportedly failed to manage excessive bleeding following the procedure.
Family members say that several hours after the operation, they noticed a pool of blood beneath Ayesiga when attempting to help her breastfeed. Upon alerting the nurse on duty, they were told the bleeding was “normal.” Concerned by the worsening condition, Ayesiga’s husband requested a referral to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Although an ambulance was eventually secured, the medical staff at Diisi Medical Centre allegedly refused to release the patient, citing that she had been taken back into theatre. Tragically, Ayesiga died while in the operating room. Witnesses claim the doctor and his assistants locked the theatre and fled the facility.
Bwizibwera Police later intervened and transported the body to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem. The report confirmed that Ayesiga died of postpartum hemorrhage, which had not beeln properly managed.
Her grieving husband has called for justice but says he is not seeking compensation. Instead, he is asking the facility to take responsibility for raising the newborn daughter until she reaches nine years of age.
Efforts to reach Dr. Mugasira Cranmer, the owner of Diisi Medical Centre, have been unsuccessful, as he has reportedly switched off all his phones. The effort to reach out to Dr. Agaba Elly, the facility supervisor are also still futile.
The deceased was laid to rest on 10th September at her parents home in Kyangyenyi Sheema district.
This incident raises urgent questions about maternal care standards and emergency response protocols in private health facilities across the country. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ayesiga’s death.
