By Alfred Opio
Security authorities in Pallisa District have intensified operations to eliminate corruption within government health facilities following the arrest of two health workers accused of extorting money from vulnerable patients. The move signals a firm stance by district leaders to protect wananchi and uphold the government’s commitment to free healthcare services.
The crackdown follows a disturbing incident in which two health workers from Pallisa General Hospital, identified as Paul Okiror and Zungu Anthelem, were arrested by the office of the District Internal Security Officer (DISO). The suspects are accused of charging a patient more than 300,000 shillings for a surgical procedure that is supposed to be offered free of charge in a government facility.
According to security reports, the arrests prompted an emergency District Security Committee (DSC) meeting chaired by the Resident District Commissioner, Majid Dhikusooka. The meeting brought together key district leaders, including the LC V Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer, District Health Officer, and the management of Pallisa General Hospital.
During the meeting, authorities launched a joint security operation that has since uncovered what officials describe as a “major medical racket” involving some government health workers. The operation involved a coordinated team comprising security and intelligence officers alongside district health leadership.
In a follow-up operation, the security team conducted a search at Grace Medical Centre, a private facility reportedly owned by one of the suspects. The search yielded a significant quantity of medicines labeled “Government of Uganda,” raising concerns about the diversion and illegal sale of drugs meant for free distribution in public health facilities.
Addressing the media after the operation, RDC Majid Dhikusooka issued a stern warning to all health workers engaging in corrupt practices.
❝ “Let the fate of Paul Okiror and Zungu Anthelem serve as a clear example to others. Extortion and the diversion of government drugs are criminal acts that undermine the President’s mission to provide free healthcare to all Ugandans. We will not hesitate to prosecute any official found exploiting wananchi.” ❞
— Majid Dhikusooka
He also commended patients and whistleblowers who provided information that led to the arrests and recovery of the medicines, noting that their courage was instrumental in exposing the malpractice.
Meanwhile, the suspects remain in police custody as investigations into their conduct continue. Security agencies have indicated that efforts are ongoing to identify other individuals who may be involved in the alleged racket. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
Pallisa District LC V Chairperson, Patrick Oduch, condemned the illegal practice of charging patients for services that should be free, emphasizing the burden it places on already struggling families.
❝ “It is unacceptable to ask a poor patient to pay 300,000 shillings for a surgical operation in a government hospital. These health workers are already paid by the government, and any form of extortion must be dealt with decisively.” ❞
— Patrick Oduch
The management of Pallisa General Hospital has pledged to cooperate fully with security agencies to root out corruption among its staff. While acknowledging that most health workers serve with integrity, the leadership admitted that a few individuals have damaged the institution’s reputation.
Authorities have reassured the public that monitoring of government health facilities will be intensified across the district. The ongoing crackdown is expected to restore trust in public healthcare services and ensure that citizens receive free treatment without exploitation.
The developments mark a significant step in the fight against corruption in Pallisa’s health sector, with leaders vowing that no culprit will be spared in efforts to safeguard public resources and protect the wellbeing of wananchi.
