Abandoned Patients at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Face Severe Health Challenges

Milton Mwisaka, the senior medical social worker at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, has expressed concern over the rising number of patients being abandoned by their attendants

He notes that an estimated 10 to 15 patients are left unattended in various wards every month, significantly slowing their recovery processes.

A health worker, speaking namelessly due to lack of authorization to comment officially, revealed that most of these patients suffer from multiple health conditions, including septic wounds, broken limbs, non-communicable diseases, and terminal illnesses. She noted that the absence of attendants to ensure timely follow-up with specialists frequently results in patients dying before completing their treatment

To address these challenges, Mwisaka stated that the hospital offers psychosocial support to patients, counseling them on the importance of involving loved ones in their recovery.

Counseling services are also extended to relatives to mitigate stigma and create an environment of acceptance and care