DHO accuses ministry of encouraging drug theft
Lilongwe district health office (DHO) has accused the Ministry of Health (MoH) of encouraging drug theft in public hospitals by reinstating officials involved in drug pilferage.
Lilongwe district health officer (DHO) Mwai Mwale said this on Monday when Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume visited Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe.
His remarks come against the background that the MoH’s has previously reinstated some health officers involved in drug theft who were interdicted and disciplined.
Said Mwale: “Several times you will find a situation where, for instance, my driver and health surveillance assistant are caught selling hospital drugs, I write a report requesting interdiction which is effected, only for the guys to be reinstated. Honestly, I cannot work with such officers.
“It is becoming problematic to handle such situations, the ministry is not supporting us. Somebody at the headquarters registry shields the culprits and keeps them within the system.”
In his remarks, Kumpalume made a commitment that there will be changes in health sector within six months as he will take action not only against the suspects, but also those who reinstate the culprits without following proper procedure.
He said: “I can assure Malawians that this will come to an end. As long as I am Minister of Health these issues will stop soon. I will act strongly.
“We cannot run the ministry with people who have misbehaved and are reinstated without proper procedure.” n
