As virus surges in Uganda, hospitals accused of profiteering

Virus cases are surging in Uganda, making scarce hospital beds even more expensive

KAMPALA, Uganda -- As he struggled to breathe earlier this month, Dr. Nathan Tumubone was tormented by thoughts of hospitalization as a COVID-19 patient. Thinking of the costs involved, he knew he wanted to stay home. He and his wife “steamed” up to five times a day, inhaling what they felt was the relieving vapor rising from a boiling concoction of herbs. "The truth is I didn’t want to go to hospital," said the general practitioner. "We’ve seen the costs are really high, and one wouldn’t want to get in there." As virus cases surge in Uganda, making scarce hospital beds even more expensive, concern is growing over the alleged exploitation of patients by private hospitals accused of demanding payment up front and hiking fees.