By Our Reporter,
Authorities at Rubaare Health Centre IV in Ntungamo district are worried about the rampant theft of patients’ belongings and facility equipment.
The problem according to reports has caused security alarms among the local authorities, health workers, and patients alike.
Dr. John Wickliff Barinda, the officer in charge of the facility, confirmed the increasing cases of theft.
In an interview with Parrots UG Reporter, Dr. Barinda revealed that the hospital management has been receiving complaints raised by patients and their caretakers about stolen personal items such as clothes, money, and phones. Shockingly, there have also been instances of patients stealing mattresses and blankets provided by the health facility.
He said the vice is mostly happening within the patients’ ward which has created a sense of insecurity among patients.
Dr. Barinda disclosed that the facility has introduced measures aimed at curbing theft. These include conducting thorough checks on discharged patients and caretakers, collecting their contacts for monitoring purposes, and considering a plan to photograph patients and temporarily hold their National Identity Cards when issuing facility-provided items like blankets.
The chairperson of the Health Unit Management Committee, Mr. Fred Muhweezi, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning that unchecked theft could deplete the facility’s resources.
“If this issue is not addressed promptly, we risk running out of essential equipment, which would significantly affect our ability to provide quality care to admitted patients,” he said.
The theft cases have not only disrupted the facility’s operations but also eroded trust among patients and staff. Authorities are calling for community cooperation to ensure the health centre remains a safe and secure place for all.
Patients and caretakers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help restore order and safeguard the facility’s resources.
