Dokolo Health Centre IV faces extortion allegations

Dokolo Health Centre IV officials have denied allegations of extorting money from patients at the facility during operating hours.

This was stated during the Health Committee meeting, organised by the District Council’s Health Committee, at the facility on October 13, 2025.

The in-charge of Dokolo Health Centre IV, Dr Emmanuel Odur, speaking during the meeting, said that there are allegations and propaganda that they are extorting money from patients at the theatre for conducting operations which are not recommended at government facilities.

Dr Odur revealed that they only instructed the patients to provide other missing equipment necessary for conducting operations which is lacking at the facility.

He further noted that they have received several complaints from different people concerning extortion, but they have been unable to uncover the truth about it.

The assistant nursing officer at the same health facility, Sister Evaline Trecy Ajunu, said they are not responsible for collecting money from any patient at the facility, as alleged.

Ajunu noted that midwives have massive roles and responsibilities to play in saving the lives of pregnant mothers and they are following all ethics and codes of conduct for the nursing profession.

Francis Duca, the Chairperson of the Health Management Committee for Dokolo Health Centre IV, said the patients are greatly contributing to and promoting corruption at the health facility by agreeing to pay money to get service.

Duca, however, cited some challenges, such as limited space in all departments at the facility, and a shortage of drugs due to increased populations.

He stated that the pit latrines are full and there is inadequate accommodation for staff, among other challenges.

Rafil Okello, speaking on behalf of the chairperson of the health committee, said the main purpose of monitoring is to identify the challenges facing the health sector.

He noted that they have received rampant cases of extortion from patients from different departments at the health centre.

Joel Opota Okuma, the district speaker, appealed to health workers to give good service to the locals. He also pledged total commitment and support to health workers as a district.