Adjumani Central Police Station is holding a doctor from Adjumani General Hospital accused of attempting to poison a cancer patient in his ward with Chlorine Dioxide Solution. 

It is reported that on Sunday evening, October 13, 2024, 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 has launched an inquiry into the matter and discovered ethical breaches, which have been forwarded for further management by the district as the accused doctor remains in police custody. 

Relatives of the patient have been 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 before he was transferred to the Hospital early 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.

By Our Reporter

17 Oct 2024

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