GULU, UGANDA: Gulu Regional Referral Hospital has pledged sweeping reforms after patients raised serious concerns over neglect, mistreatment, and unprofessional conduct by some health workers.
The commitments were made during a community baraza convened by hospital management to address growing complaints and improve relations between clinicians and the public.
Several patients delivered emotional testimonies, exposing gaps in care and communication at one of northern Uganda’s busiest referral facilities.
Palmer Alum, 31, from Omoro District, recounted a harrowing experience at the maternity ward, where she said she was abandoned during labour.
“I was alone. I cried for help, but there was no one to attend to me. I delivered on my own and struggled,” she said. “I forgave them, but what if another mother doesn’t survive?”
Another patient, Lydia Ayoo, said she was referred to a private facility for basic tests despite financial constraints, while Irene Atim criticised poor communication and excessive phone use by some health workers during consultations.
Hospital Director Dr. Peter Mukobi acknowledged the concerns, describing them as serious and unacceptable.
“We cannot accept as normal any mistreatment of patients. Every mother, every child, every person who walks through our doors deserves respect, dignity, and quality care,” he said.
Mukobi pledged that reforms would be implemented within six months to restore professionalism and improve service delivery.
Key measures include tighter staff monitoring through biometric attendance systems, installation of CCTV cameras in critical areas, and disciplinary action against staff found neglecting duty or extorting patients.
Hospital management also committed to improving communication between health workers and patients, a key issue raised during the meeting.
Despite the challenges, officials pointed to severe understaffing as a major constraint. The hospital currently operates with 378 staff against a required 1,273, while handling an average of 500 patients daily.
“We are under immense pressure due to understaffing, but that should never be an excuse for poor care,” Dr. Mukobi said. “We are actively recruiting and strengthening supervision.”
Community leaders welcomed the reforms but called for regular progress updates to ensure accountability.
Some patients expressed cautious optimism, urging hospital management to translate promises into real improvements on the wards.
The developments mark a renewed push to address service delivery gaps and restore public trust in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, a key health facility serving northern Uganda.
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