Butaleja VHT Chops off Boys Manhood in botched Circumcision.
By Ambrose Wanagoli.
The Butaleja Deputy District Health Officer, Mr. Henry Isogoli has warned of an imminent crackdown on illegal drug shops operating across the district following reports that unqualified health workers are conducting dangerous medical procedures.
Speaking from his office on Thursday, Mr. Isogoli said authorities had received intelligence indicating that some Village Health Teams (VHTs), Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), and local businessmen had opened unauthorized drug shops despite lacking proper medical training and licenses.
He said the district health department would launch an immediate operation targeting the illegal facilities and promised tough penalties for offenders.
“We are going to carry out a massive operation against all masqueraders involved in illegal medical practice. No one will be spared,” Isogoli warned.
His remarks followed complaints raised during a meeting attended by health centre in-charges and midwives at the district health boardroom.
Officials from Bugalo Health Centre III and Madungha Health Centre II in Nawanjofu Sub-county accused some VHTs and CHEWs of illegally operating clinics, prescribing excessive medication, and even performing surgical procedures.
The in-charge of Bugalo Health Centre III disclosed a shocking incident in which a CHEW allegedly severed a young boy’s genitals while attempting to circumcise him.
The incident has sparked outrage among health officials and community members, raising concerns about the growing number of unqualified individuals providing medical services in rural communities.
According to Mr. Isogoli, CHEWs receive only six months of training and are primarily expected to support community sensitization on basic health matters rather than conduct clinical procedures.
“They were trained to mobilize and educate communities on health issues, not to diagnose patients, prescribe medicine, or carry out surgeries,” he emphasized.
The deputy district health officer also blamed some professional nurses for neglecting their duties and allowing inadequately trained CHEWs to take over responsibilities meant for qualified medical personnel.
Reports indicate that in several health centres across Butaleja District, CHEWs are routinely involved in diagnosing illnesses and treating patients with the approval of their supervisors.
Health authorities have now urged residents to report all illegal drug shops and unlicensed practitioners to the relevant authorities before more lives are put at risk
