Police in Adjumani are holding a doctor from Adjumani General Hospital accused of attempting to poison a cancer patient in his ward with Chlorine Dioxide Solution.
Dr. Emmanuel Amuni prescribed Chlorine Dioxide Solution for Simeo Okuga, a cancer patient, who was admitted to Adjumani General Hospital.
Upon ingesting the solution, the patient began to present abnormal signs that were relatively different from his usual condition, prompting the attendants to report the matter to the hospital administration.
Chlorine dioxide is a bleach-like cleaning agent that, if ingested, can have severe adverse health effects, including death.
Dr. Michael Ambaku, the Medical Superintendent of Adjumani General Hospital, confirmed that the hospital launched an inquiry into the matter and discovered ethical breaches, which have been forwarded for further management as the accused doctor remains in police custody.
Efforts to interview the relatives of the patient proved futile by the time of filing this story, as they were engaged in closed-door meetings with the hospital administration.
However, eyewitnesses indicated that the accused, Dr. Amuni, threatened to discharge the patient at night if the relatives continued raising alarm over the matter.
Some health workers within Adjumani General Hospital, who spoke to our reporter on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the accused doctor exhibited similar behavior at Mungula Health Centre IV and was brought to the Hospital earlier this year for monitoring purposes.
Dr. Ambaku stressed that all measures have been taken to save the life of the patient, who is currently in a better state.
Peter Taban Dada, the Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, confirmed that Adjumani Central Police Station has taken up the matter, urging communities to be patient as necessary decisions are being undertaken.
Section 204 of the Penal Code Act states that any person who unlawfully attempts to cause the death of another, or with intent to act, which it is their duty to do, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.