NTUNGAMO – Nurse Atwongire Shakira, a dispenser at Ntungamo Health Centre IV, is set to face disciplinary action over allegations of denying patients medication and misconduct at the workplace.
The incident reportedly occurred after several patients who arrived at the health facility in the morning were treated and referred to the dispensing unit to collect their medication, but were allegedly turned away by Atwongire who reportedly said it was time for lunch.
The affected patients have been identified as Ninsiima Sarah from Nyabubare, Ainembabazi Brenda from Cell 8, and Ainembabazi Sharon.
According to the patients, when Atwongire Shakira returned at around 2:00 p.m., she still did not attend to them, prompting them to raise an alarm and appeal to the facility’s in-charge for intervention.
However, they allege that the dispensing room was later locked, with the nurse reportedly saying it was already 5:00 p.m. and time to close.
The situation prompted the facility’s in-charge to call the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. James Ndyanabo, to intervene and calm tensions.
Dr. Ndyanabo said he attempted to stop her from leaving the facility, but she reportedly refused and handed the keys to a security guard, saying it was time to close.
He noted that this was not the first time Atwongire had been warned over alleged misconduct at work, revealing that previous concerns had been raised and disciplinary measures discussed.
Dr. Ndyanabo explained that the facility relies on an electronic system to register patients receiving medication, but the system was not functioning due to internet and power outages.
He said staff had been advised to use manual procedures whenever the system was unavailable instead of turning patients away without their medication.
The Municipal Health Officer also expressed concern over reports that some patients had threatened to beat Shakira after she allegedly denied them medication, noting that such threats pose a risk to staff safety.
Following the incident, Dr. Ndyanabo said Sister Vastina Aringanyira was assigned to replace Atwongire at the dispensing unit to ensure patients continued receiving services.
Meanwhile, the Central Division Senior Assistant Town Clerk, Ainomugisha Coleta, warned civil servants against misconduct at their workplaces, saying those found responsible risk disciplinary action.
Photo Credit: Radio Ankole
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