Drug theft is becoming a problem in Uganda, costing taxpayers significant amounts of money.
However, to curb this malpractice, the police in Kayunga District have launched an investigation into how government-supplied drugs and medical equipment are finding their way into private health facilities.
The probe follows the interception of government-branded medicine at Ziriddamu Medical Centre, a private clinic in Kayunga Town Council.
The facility is allegedly owned by Mugerwa, the in-charges for Health Centre III in Kyotera district.
Three medical workers, two female and one male, were arrested on Wednesday and are currently detained at Kayunga Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Gov’t Supplies Sold Illegally
Kayunga Deputy Resident Commissioner Solomon Baleke confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were caught red-handed selling government malaria testing kits, drugs, and other medical equipment clearly marked as property of the Ugandan government.
“We received intelligence that the private clinic was selling government drugs, and when we raided the facility, we found these items openly available for sale,” Baleke revealed.
Authorities say this is just the beginning of a broader crackdown, as reports suggest the malpractice is widespread in the district.
Bigger Syndicate At Play
Rosette Sikahwa, the Kayunga District Police Commander, condemned the illegal practice, vowing to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, a police officer who preferred to remain anonymous alleged that a network of health workers from Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital (KRRH) is supplying government drugs to private clinics.
A recent Auditor General’s report flagged weaknesses in drug storage at KRRH, citing inadequate storage space and a lack of proper inventory management.
The report also found that medical sundries were being stored in corridors, fire safety measures were insufficient, and there were only two staff members managing the entire hospital’s medical supplies.
Investigations Widen To Kyotera District
The ongoing probe will now extend to Kyotera District, with investigators set to audit government medical stores across health facilities.
Community members in Kayunga are calling for stricter regulations, urging the government to mandate medical workers to declare ownership of private facilities and subject them to regular inspections.
As investigations continue, authorities are determined to dismantle what appears to be an entrenched system of medical theft and corruption in Uganda’s public healthcare sector.
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