The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has ordered the immediate arrest of an enrolled nurse at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital following disturbing allegations of gross neglect of a patient in critical condition.
The nurse, identified as Mr. Tumuheki Nicholas, was singled out during an impromptu spot check at the hospital’s casualty unit, conducted at the start of the IGG’s regional tour through the Kabale Regional Office.
According to preliminary findings, a patient who was profusely bleeding and had been referred from Kamwezi Health Centre IV was allegedly denied proper emergency care upon arrival at the hospital. The nurse is accused of instructing the patient’s caregiver to lay the patient on the floor, citing failure by the referring facility to notify the hospital in advance so that a bed could be prepared.
In a further shocking revelation, the caregiver claims the nurse told them that the hospital had no medicines and directed them to purchase drugs from a nearby pharmacy. Despite buying the prescribed medicine, the caregiver alleges that the drugs were never administered to the patient.
The IGG described the incident as a serious breach of duty and an abuse of public trust, ordering the suspect’s arrest as investigations continue. The case has sparked fresh outrage over patient care standards at public health facilities, particularly in emergency units meant to save lives.
Authorities say more action will follow as the IGG’s office intensifies oversight of government services in the region.