Seven arrested over stolen govt drugs worth sh70m
The operation conducted on August 3, led to the arrest of two health facility storekeepers, two security officers attached to a government health centre and a Local Council chairperson for involvement in the theft and illegal distribution of medicines intended for free public healthcare.
(Courtesy)
___________________ (Courtesy)
A boutique owner is among seven people arrested after the National Drug Authority (NDA) recovered government medicines worth over than sh70m in Oyam District, exposing what investigators believe is an organised network diverting life-saving drugs from public health facilities to the black market.
The operation conducted on August 3, led to the arrest of two health facility storekeepers, two security officers attached to a government health centre and a Local Council chairperson for involvement in the theft and illegal distribution of medicines intended for free public healthcare.
The suspects were identified as: Beatrice Layiki, the owner of a boutique at Corner Kamdini Store; Winnie Akello, the store in-charge at Atipe Health Centre III; and Jeremiah Odyeng, the assistant store in-charge at Anyeke Health Centre IV. Others are: Joe Ajor and Victor Ogwang, both security officers at Anyeke Health Centre IV; Samuel Okot, the chairperson of LC1 Minakuru Town Council; and another unidentified suspect.
(Courtesy)
According to NDA, searches conducted at the targeted premises uncovered hundreds of thousands of doses of government medicines, including antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), antimalarials, antibacterials, antifungals, deworming tablets, hypertension medicines, anti-epileptic drugs, painkillers and anti-ulcer medicines.
Investigators also recovered HIV testing kits, malaria diagnostic kits, mama kits, gauze, cotton wool and other medical supplies, all clearly marked 'Government of Uganda, Not for Sale'.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri said preliminary investigations indicate that the medicines were systematically diverted from public health facilities before finding their way onto the market.
He said the suspects have been transferred to Kampala and are expected to appear before the Utilities Court in Makindye to face charges of illegal possession of government stores, contrary to Section 296(2) of the Penal Code Act, and illegal possession of classified drugs under Section 27(2) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act.
Rwamwiri warned that beyond the financial loss to government, the diversion of medicines places patients at a significant risk since their quality can no longer be guaranteed once removed from approved storage and supply systems.
"Beyond being stolen from government facilities, these medicines are transported and hidden in unsuitable conditions such as dustbins and even caskets carrying bodies before reaching the black market. We cannot guarantee their quality, safety or efficacy," he said.
He revealed that intelligence gathered by NDA shows that stolen government medicines particularly ARVs and anti-malarials are increasingly being smuggled across Uganda's borders into South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to NDA, targeted enforcement operations conducted over the past six years have led to the recovery of stolen government medicines worth over Sh15b and the arrest of more than 64 health officials across the country.