The Uganda Police of Mbalecity, in collaboration with the State House Health Monitoring Unit, recovered 57 units of blood from a private health clinic called Health for Life General Medical in Mbale City.
According to Dr. Brian Arinaitwe, Assistant Director of the Health Monitoring Unit, they received multiple complaints from the public about the scarcity and sale of blood at Mbale Regional Hospital.
This prompted the collaboration with the police, leading to the recovery of the blood, which was found stored in a domestic freezer.
Dr. Arinaitwe revealed that the recovered blood was expired and likely stolen from the regional blood bank, as it bore the official markings.
He also stated that an audit of the blood bank would be conducted to address the issue of blood scarcity in the region.
Additionally, it was discovered that the clinic where the blood was found is operated by a health worker from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr. Arinaitwe urged the government to investigate the clinics, laboratories, and drug shops around Mbale Referral Hospital, as there are reports of drug diversion in the area.
The above mentioned facilities are not supposed to neighbor the Referral hospital,Dr Brian explained.
Mbale City District Police Commander Bakashaba Kenneth confirmed the arrest of one suspect during the joint operation carried out by the State House Health Unit and the police.
He added that further investigations are ongoing to uncover more details surrounding the stolen blood and other illicit activities.