The Uganda Police in Mbale City, in collaboration with the State House Health Monitoring Unit, have recovered 57 units of blood from a private health clinic, Health for Life General Medical, in Mbale City.
Dr. Brian Arinaitwe, Assistant Director of the Health Monitoring Unit, stated that they launched the investigation after receiving numerous public complaints about the shortage and alleged sale of blood at Mbale Regional Hospital.
The joint operation with the police led to the discovery of the blood, which had been improperly stored in a domestic freezer.
Dr. Arinaitwe revealed that the blood had expired and was likely stolen from the regional blood bank, as it bore official markings. He also mentioned that an audit of the blood bank would be conducted to address the ongoing issue of blood shortages in the region.
Further investigations revealed that the clinic where the blood was recovered is operated by a health worker from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr. Arinaitwe urged the government to investigate the clinics, laboratories, and drug shops in the vicinity of Mbale Referral Hospital, as there have been reports of drug diversion in the area. He emphasized that such facilities are not supposed to be located near the referral hospital.
Mbale City District Police Commander Bakashaba Kenneth confirmed the arrest of a suspect during the joint operation and stated that further investigations are underway to uncover more details regarding the stolen blood and other illegal activities.
