Malawi Government clueless on how to end drug theft

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Peter Kumpalume

Malawi government remains coy on ways set aside to end incessant theft of drugs in public hospitals as the health sector is now hitting the news on similar cases.

On Thursday, Health Minister, Peter Kumpalume disclosed that drugs worth five MK5 billion are stolen every year in the country’s public hospitals.

The Minister made the revelation when he visited Nsanje District Health Office Thursday.

According to Kumpalume, every year government allocates K17 billion for drug procurement of which one third of the total allocation is lost due to drug theft.

Peter Kumpalume
Kumpalume: Says govt will not relent.

He sad that government now intends to set aside measures that will help end the trend.

“It is disheartening to note that government is losing a lot of money due to drug theft by the people government entrusted with responsibility of taking care of the lives of people.

“People who are stealing the medicine are the very medical personnel government employed which is very bad. This malpractice is refusing the very poor people to get their right to medication,” said Kumpalume.

He then sent strong warning to people involved in such malpractices.

“There are some health workers who come late for duties and leave before time of knocking off. Let me emphasize that this will not be tolerated, and I am asking the District Health Officer to enforce the standard time of work,” said Kumpalume.

(Infor-Mana)