Nyagatare hospital medics under probe over patient neglect

EASTERN PROVINCE NYAGATARE—Following the arrest of a medical doctor who severely neglected a previously abused patient at Nyagatare main hospital last week, officials have directed police and other security to carry out thorough investigations into the situation and hospital management in general.

Monday, November 12, 2007

EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE—Following the arrest of a medical doctor who severely neglected a previously abused patient at Nyagatare main hospital last week, officials have directed police and other security to carry out thorough investigations into the situation and hospital management in general.

Last week police in Nyagatare arrested Dr. Desire Rwabukwisi after one of his patients was found with maggots on and inside her body. The patient had been brought to the hospital on August 28.

District mayor Robert Kashemeza when approached for comment said "we held a meeting with all hospital medics and discussed on the issue of patient neglect, which had circulated in the media and we all agreed for police to carry out a thorough investigation, and for all misdoings to be exposed.

Meanwhile, as district authorities are waiting for a report from police investigations, Dr. Desire Rwabukwisi was last week released from Nyagatare court on bail as investigations are under way.

Sources at the hospital intimate that, since security operatives started investigations, medics are now getting serious on their medical operations with fear to be sacked.

"Things have changed in the way services have been offered, the medics can now speak to a patient in a kind tone,” said one patient.

"I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing the care they offered me. Now we locals are at ease because they can access medical services without lots of stress.”

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