Residents in Mukono have raised concern over health facilities that are charging money for the government’s freely supplied test kits, meaning that those who cannot afford cannot be tested and are left to go and continue infecting others.
Mukono Church of Uganda and Mukono General Hospital have been pointed out as the institutions perpetrating this disturbing practice in the heavily populated Mukono district, by charging people turning up with tell signs that might indicate the presence of the Coronavirus.
The District Health Officer notes that the kits were supplied to these two hospitals by the government to reduce congestion and they are supposed to cater for only people with evident signs and symptoms.
Nonetheless, several people claim being turned away with severe coughing among other signs after failure to pay the requested money.
Betty Nakasi, the Speaker to Mukono District Council, says has received several complaints from people who have completely failed to raise such charges to test.
Dr Simon Nsingo, the Mukono CoU Hospital Medical Director has declined to talk about the illegal charges while Dr Geffrey Kasirye of Mukono General Hospital has promised to follow up the matter saying he has been not aware of the racket going on.
The Head of Mukono District Covid-19 Task Force who is also the Residents District Commissioner Fatumah Ndisaba says they shall not fail to penalize whichever medical officer is carrying the dubious sell of free government kits.
