Medical personnel at Jinja hospital have set terms to end a sit down strike they begun this morning as patients continue to bear the brunt of the shortage of medical staff at the hospital.
The medical staff at Jinja regional referral hospital began the strike this morning demanding the immediate release of Dr. Charles Barungi, a gynecologist, who is accused of taking a bribe of UGX 700,000 from the relatives of Sharita Nakato, who later passed away on the operating table.
Dr. Charles Barungi was arrested and detained by police in Jinja last Friday evening after the incident.
The medical staff included a demand for a personal apology from Farouk Kirunda, a State House employee, who they accuse of intimidating and abusing them during the fracas between the relatives of Nakato and the hospital staff.
Tabitha Isooba, a mid wife who was allegedly roughed up by Farouk Kirunda, recounted her ordeal and stood with her colleagues in demanding an apology and the release of Dr. Barungi.
\\\\ Cue in “we are not secure…”
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Margaret Anyole, a senior nursing officer at Jinja hospital, wondered aloud how Dr. Barungi could be bribed with UX 700,000 yet the hospital routinely treats patients who cannot even raise UGX 20,000.
She called for his release and asked that the allegations against the doctor be taken with a pinch of salt until there was irrefutable proof he did take a bribe.
Cue in “if it is an allegation…”
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Dr. Aggrey Sanya, a senior clinical officer added his voice stating that without these demands being met , staff would not resume work at Jinja Hospital.
\\\\ Cue in “but we are just wating for one thing…”
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Dr. Michael Osinde, Jinja hospital medical director, has requested the medical personnel to end the strike as their demands are being addressed.
