Atobriso CHPS Compound Remains Closed After Community-Nurse Dispute
The Atobriso CHPS compound in Kwaebibirem Municipality remains closed following tensions between community members and facility staff.
According to accounts from community members, the dispute began when nurses declined to attend to emergency cases after official closing hours. Community members expressed dissatisfaction with this practice.
Tensions escalated after a relative of a former assembly member fell ill and was rushed to the CHPS compound. The nurse on call reportedly delayed her response because she was off duty and attending to personal matters at home. She later arrived, assessed the patient, and determined that his condition could not be managed at the facility, necessitating a referral.
Some youth and elders were dissatisfied with the delay and the subsequent referral. This led to threats against the nurses and calls for their removal from the community. During the incident, the door of the male In-Charge Nurse was damaged.
Following the threats, the affected nurse reported the matter to the Kwaebibirem Municipal Health Directorate. After engagements with community leaders and other stakeholders, it was agreed that the facility should be temporarily closed to allow for resolution.
As of today, the Atobriso CHPS compound remains