Expectant woman dies after failing to raise Sh1,000 bribe for ambulance

What you need to know:

  • Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Thursday said that the driver who was said to be drunk will be sacked. According to the governor, the ambulance is fuelled by the county government.

  • Mr Ojaamong said that all officers who were responsible in the delay to transfer the woman to the county referral hospital will be disciplined appropriately.

  • Ms Nyangweso, 40, died 12 hours as she writhed in pain with no means to transfer her to Busia Referral Hospital over claims the ambulance had no fuel.

Busia residents are furious over the death of an expectant mother after an ambulance driver failed to take her to a different hospital for failure to pay a Sh1, 000 bribe.

The residents held a demonstration on Thursday over Diva Nyangweso’s death.

The driver had demanded the cash from the woman who was in labour before he could help transfer her to a referral hospital following complications.

According to the residents, the driver said he wanted the money for fuel. Payment for “fuel” is the language used to seek bribes.

Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Thursday said that the driver who was said to be drunk will be sacked. According to the governor, the ambulance is fuelled by the county government.

Mr Ojaamong said that all officers who were responsible in the delay to transfer the woman to the county referral hospital will be disciplined appropriately.

“We have information that the officers who were on duty were drunk and were demanding a bribe of Sh1000 before they transfer the lady. Investigations are underway and those who will be found guilty will be sacked,” he said.

The woman, a widow, had been admitted at Sio Port sub district hospital where she developed complications in the process of giving birth.

Ms Nyangweso, 40, died 12 hours as she writhed in pain with no means to transfer her to Busia Referral Hospital over claims the ambulance had no fuel.

The incident sparked off demonstrations with residents demanding for the transfer of doctors and nurses at the health facility over alleged negligence and selling of drugs to Uganda.

“We want stern measures to be taken against all health personnel who were involved in the saga. How can they let a person die because of a Sh1000 bribe,” said John Ojanji.

The governor said claims that the ambulance had no fuel were untrue.

“The county government provides adequate litres of fuel to last the whole week. No fuel should be demanded for any emergency cases,” an agitated Ojaamong said.

Nangina Ward MCA John Obwogo called for suspension of the health officers involved.