Gulu residents blame drug shortages for self-medication

16 October 2026, 2:55 pm

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Residents of Gulu cite long hospital queues, language barriers and medicine shortages as reasons for self-medication. Health officials urge proper medical examinations, professional prescriptions and improved communication to promote safe medicine use and prevent antimicrobial resistance in the community.

Residents of Gulu have cited long waiting times, language barriers and medicine shortages as reasons pushing people towards self-medication.

Aceng Jackline, a resident of Layibi Central Cell in Gulu City, said patients sometimes spend an entire day at referral hospitals without receiving complete medical attention.

She added that language barriers and medicine shortages discourage people from seeking treatment at public facilities.

Adongo Nighty, urged the public to seek professional medical advice and establish the cause of an illness before taking medication.

She emphasised that people should visit health facilities for proper examinations and tests to ensure they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Kolong Patrick, the Assistant District Health Educator for Gulu District, warned that self-medication can cause organ damage and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

He also cautioned against sharing prescribed medicines because similar symptoms may result from different illnesses.

Kenneth Cana, the District Health Officer (DHO) for Gulu District, urged residents to avoid self-medication and seek professional medical advice.

He warned against relying on internet searches to diagnose illnesses and choose medicines, emphasising that online information cannot replace medical examinations and laboratory tests.

Cana also called on health workers to communicate with patients in languages they understand, urging them to seek assistance from colleagues who speak the patients’ local languages.

Acknowledging complaints about medicine shortages, he said public facilities may not always have all the required drugs.

However, he stressed that patients should undergo medical screening and obtains prescriptions from trained health professionals before purchasing medicines elsewhere.