A clinical officer at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital was arrested on Tuesday morning for allegedly reporting to work at the Children’s Ward while under the influence of alcohol. The arrest was carried out by Peter Banya, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Pece-Laroo Division, after receiving a tip from concerned citizens.
The individual in question has been identified as Ambrose Otim, a clinical officer stationed at the hospital’s pediatric ward.
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Speaking to Uganda Radio Network on Thursday, Banya said he responded immediately to the tip-off and found Otim visibly intoxicated and incapable of attending to patients, despite a large number of children waiting for care. Banya said he had no choice but to arrest Otim to prevent him from endangering young patients’ lives.
Walter Uryek-Wun, Principal Assistant Secretary at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, condemned Otim’s conduct, calling it highly unprofessional and detrimental to the delivery of quality healthcare.
“It’s unacceptable for a medical professional to be drunk while on duty. Such behavior risks incorrect diagnoses or prescriptions. Public service regulations clearly prohibit civil servants from reporting to work under the influence,” Uryek-Wun stated.
He further revealed that this was not Otim’s first offense, noting that he had previously been interdicted for similar behavior and had only recently resumed duties after undergoing treatment at Butabika Hospital.
While the hospital is considering returning Otim to rehabilitation, there are also plans to recommend his retirement in the public interest due to his recurring struggles with alcoholism.
Uryek-Wun also questioned how Otim managed to access the ward in his intoxicated state, indicating that the staff responsible for overseeing the ward has been issued a warning.
As of press time, Otim remained in custody at Gulu Central Police Station.
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