The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE—Malawi’s deputy minister of health Halima Daud has issued a stern warning against theft of drugs in public health facilities.

Speaking Monday after receiving a donation of medical drugs worth K124 million from World Vision Malawi, Daud urged the law enforcers in the country to heighten security in health facilities.

The deputy health minister hailed World Vision Malawi for the donation observing that it has come a time when most health facilities are experiencing drug shortages.

World Vision Malawi country director Marko Ngwenya said the donation was in line with some of their programmes such as Child Health Now, which targets pregnant women, women of child bearing age and children under five years.

Meanwhile, the Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) has also vowed to put in place new security measures to curb drug theft in public hospitals.

This follows reports that drugs are allegedly being stolen by some members of staff within the health ministry.

To ensure that the drugs are delivered to intended hospitals and centers, according to CMST chief executive officer Feston Kaupa, CMST’s vehicles would be have vehicle tracking and monitoring devices.

Commenting on the development, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Charles Mwansambo said similar measures would also be introduced in hospitals during drug prescription and administration to patients by medical personnel.

Mwansambo then challenged the country’s judiciary to mete stiff punishment on those found guilty of stealing drugs from public hospitals.

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(c) The Maravi Post 2013

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