Government has been asked to close loopholes enabling some health personnel in the country to get away with medicine in working places, putting patients’ lives in danger.
Tilitonse Foundation is a funding organization to over 16 local, international and many Community Based Organizations (CBOs) said, a research has revealed the worsening theft of drugs was contributing to various health hazards in communities.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the organization, Robert White told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in an interview on Tuesday in Lilongwe that drug theft remains to be addressed in the country’s health system.
“Our reports indicate a serious continued theft of drugs in health facilities; this malpractice has immediate major negative results, namely loss of life when the drugs are not readily available in hospitals.
“It should be made known that when drugs are stolen they are used by untrained personnel who prescribe to other people in wrong dosages in our communities, this puts lives at risk again, ” White said.
Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), Executive Director, George Jobe described the reports as alarming, and has since asked citizens to be responsible by reporting suspects and cases of drug theft must be concluded in courts.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson, Joshua Malango said the Ministry would give details on how to curb the vice, and has assured Malawians that everyone found mismanaging medicine would face the law.
