By James Alomu

SOROTI : The Parliamentary Committee on Health has issued a stern warning to police officers conducting postmortem examinations at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital(SRRH), directing them to stop demanding money from bereaved families.

The committee said allegations that families are being charged for postmortem services are unacceptable and potentially unlawful, particularly where government health services are expected to be provided without charge.

The warning was issued during an engagement between the committee, hospital management, health officials and other stakeholders at the TASO Soroti boardroom.

The committee was chaired by Bukonzo County East Member of Parliament Dr. Monday Julius Rude, who said the practice of allegedly demanding money from families at a time of bereavement must come to an immediate end.

Dr. Rude alleged that some police officers were working with medical personnel to impose charges on families seeking postmortem services for their deceased relatives.

“Police convincing doctors to charge families is totally unacceptable. It is illegal, and this should end today and in the days ahead,” Dr. Rude said.

He reminded hospital authorities that medicines, treatment and other essential medical services provided at government health facilities are generally supposed to be free, except for services specifically offered through private wings.

“All the medications and treatment in the health facility are free of charge. No more charges should be imposed on people except in the private wings. All medical assistance in the hospital is supposed to be free,” he said.

The committee also instructed the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) to investigate allegations of exorbitant charges and other irregularities reportedly occurring at the hospital.

The directive comes amid broader concerns raised before the committee regarding the treatment of health workers and the conduct of some senior hospital officials.

According to the committee, complaints have been raised by staff who allegedly experienced coercion, harsh treatment and verbal abuse from members of the hospital's senior leadership.

CID was directed to open an inquiry file and invite additional health workers to provide information to investigators. The committee also asked police to investigate separate allegations involving inappropriate demands and harassment of volunteers at the facility.

The relevant hospital administrator was further directed to record a statement as part of the investigation. CID will then determine whether the evidence gathered is sufficient to warrant prosecution.

The parliamentary delegation included Soroti City East MP Moses Okia Attan, UPDF representative Colonel Christine Nekesa, Tororo County MP Kiti Peter, Amolatar Woman MP Jannet Awoma and Namisindwa Woman MP Peace Khalayi, among other legislators and officials.

The committee said its intervention was aimed at protecting bereaved families and health workers from exploitation and ensuring accountability within public health institutions.

It warned that public officials found to have abused their offices or unlawfully demanded money from members of the public should face appropriate disciplinary or legal action.