Student nurse arrested over theft of govt drugs in Budaka
The suspect, Sadik Sabali, was intercepted by a vigilant night watchman while leaving the general ward with nine vials of artesunate injections, commonly used to treat severe malaria.
The theft of government drugs is a big and persistent problem in Uganda's healthcare system. (File photo)
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Police in Budaka district say they have arrested a 23-year-old student nurse after he was caught attempting to steal government drugs from Budaka Health Centre IV.
The suspect, Sadik Sabali, was intercepted by a vigilant night watchman while leaving the general ward with nine vials of artesunate injections, commonly used to treat severe malaria.
Bukedi North Police region spokesperson Wilfred Kyempasa said the suspect had previously interned at the facility, giving him access to restricted areas.
The drugs, valued at shillings 46,000, were recovered and recorded as exhibits. Police say investigations are nearly complete, and the file is due for submission to the Resident State Attorney for sanctioning.
The theft of government drugs is a big and persistent problem in Uganda's healthcare system.
According to the National Drug Authority, stolen government drugs worth over 13 billion shillings have been recovered since 2019, and over 60 individuals have been arrested. Out of these are 44 government health workers.