Medicine meant for patients is continuing to disappear from public health facilities, with the Malawi government raising concern over the impact of the theft on access to treatment.
Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, has expressed concern over the continued theft of medicines from public health facilities across the country, warning that the malpractice is undermining efforts to provide quality and affordable healthcare to Malawians.
Baloyi says the theft of medicines is placing an additional financial burden on patients, particularly those who depend on government hospitals and health centres for free healthcare services and essential medicines.
She says patients are often forced to purchase medicines from private pharmacies and other outlets when drugs intended for public health facilities are stolen or illegally diverted.
“It is unacceptable that patients should be forced to buy medicines that the government has already procured and made available to them free of charge,” said Baloyi.
The Minister says the continued theft is also contributing to shortages of essential medicines in public health facilities, thereby affecting the delivery of healthcare services.
Baloyi acknowledges that authorities have arrested some health workers suspected of being involved in the theft of medicines. However, she says the malpractice continues, with some individuals allegedly engaging in the illegal diversion and sale of drugs intended for public use.
She has since called for stronger measures to prevent the theft and illegal distribution of medicines from government health facilities.
Baloyi says the government is reviewing existing laws to ensure that people convicted of stealing medicines face stiffer penalties.
According to the Minister, tougher penalties would strengthen accountability and deter health workers and other individuals from engaging in the theft and illegal distribution of medicines.
“We must strengthen accountability and ensure that anyone found guilty of stealing medicines meant for patients faces the full force of the law,” said Baloyi.
She says the government remains committed to protecting the supply of essential medicines in public health facilities and ensuring that drugs procured using public resources reach their intended beneficiaries.
Baloyi has also urged health workers and members of the public to help combat the malpractice by reporting suspected cases of medicine theft to the relevant authorities.
The government is expected to continue strengthening systems for the management, distribution and monitoring of medicines in public health facilities as part of efforts to reduce losses, improve accountability and ensure that patients have access to essential medicines when they need them.
