Kamwokya Med-Care Centre Shut Down Over Medical Negligence

Summary:

• The Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) has closed Kamwokya Med-Care Centre and suspended its proprietor, Dr. Richard Waigumba, for two years after the death of a patient due to professional misconduct. Investigations revealed unqualified personnel, poor supervision, falsified records, and inadequate resources.

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The Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) has ordered the immediate closure of Kamwokya Med-Care Centre and suspended its proprietor, Dr. Richard Waigumba, from medical practice for two years following the death of a patient due to gross professional misconduct.

The incident involves the death of Doreen Mpumwire Ikwap on January 22, 2023, after undergoing a myomectomy and ovarian cystectomy at the facility. Investigations revealed severe negligence and unqualified personnel performing critical surgical procedures.

Dr. Waigumba, who operated the clinic since 2016, collaborated with Dr. Andrew Odongkara, an unlicensed and unqualified surgeon, to perform the procedures. The investigation uncovered that Dr. Odongkara abandoned his Master’s program in Obstetrics and Gynecology and had no valid practicing license since 2021. Despite the patient experiencing severe complications, the facility lacked the necessary resources, including critical care equipment, further jeopardizing her recovery.

The council found multiple violations, including falsified patient records, poor supervision by Dr. James Kafeero, and the facility operating beyond its licensed scope. As a result:

• Dr. Waigumba was suspended for two years, with a subsequent one-year supervised attachment before potential reinstatement.
• Dr. Odongkara received identical sanctions.
• Dr. Kafeero faced a one-year suspension and a six-month supervised attachment.
• Nurses Celine Kadondi and Brenda Nabwami were referred to the Nurses and Midwifery Council for disciplinary action.

The closure of Kamwokya Med-Care Centre highlights the growing concern over professional negligence in Uganda’s healthcare sector. Authorities continue to enforce strict measures to uphold ethical standards and safeguard patients.

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