needle
This day will forever be embedded in my memory. Indeed, it marks my turning point. On November 3, I developed a simple headache. The following day, what was a simple headache turned out to be serious.
Ever since I was born, I had never been down with malaria or any other illness for a whole month. The brand of malaria that hit me last month has indeed left me wondering what kind of world are we living in today! I was admitted to Arua Hospital, but I forced my way out after spending only four days there.
The guy who penned the saying “do not judge a book by its cover” surely must have reasoned thoroughly. Whoever believes that Arua Hospital, because of its beautiful look, is a regional referral hospital should review his belief for it does not deserve that status.
The ward I was admitted to removes any doubt in my statements. It was so smelly that the doctors were also complaining. This ward has a single toilet for both male and female patients and when I was there, it was full. During the night, maggots would come out and scatter on the floor.
We were vomiting everyday. It was like we were detained in one of the RRU safe houses in Kireka. I recall one morning, I nearly vomited to death when my eyes accidentally landed on a maggot someone had stepped on. This hospital lacks drugs.
People operating clinics near it are making good money because all the admitted patients are buying medicine from them. What is so disturbing is that most of the people operating these clinics are the very doctors working in the hospital.
For all this mess, I lay my blame on the government officials swindling public funds. Regards to those who offered me assistance during this hard time. I wish you a happy New Year.
Muzamil Alamiga, Arua
alamigamuzamil@yahoo.com
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