The National Drug Authority (NDA) has recovered government medicines worth an estimated Shs70 million during a major enforcement operation in Oyam District.
The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, including four government health workers.
According to the NDA, the suspects are accused of stealing medicines from public health facilities and attempting to conceal their origin by removing or covering government labels before illegally distributing them on the black market.
The suspects were identified as Akello Winnie, the stores in-charge at Atippe Health Centre III; Olyengo Jeremiah, the assistant stores in-charge at Ayinke Health Centre IV; Ajolo Joe, a security officer at Ayinke Health Centre IV; Ogwanga Victor, a security officer at Anyaki Health Centre IV; Samuel Okoto, the LC1 Chairperson of Minakura Town Council; and Beatrice Laike, a boutique operator. The NDA said investigations into the network are ongoing.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri said the operation exposed how some individuals within public health facilities allegedly steal and conceal government medicines before smuggling them out for illegal sale.
“They conceal these drugs, causing shortages in hospitals, and sneak them out using different methods, including hiding them in dustbins. It is no wonder that some of the suspects arrested are officers working in these health facilities,” Rwamwiri said.
He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report anyone involved in the theft and illegal sale of government medicines.
“I call upon the public to remain vigilant and report such criminal activities to the Police and the National Drug Authority. These crimes not only endanger the lives of our people but also cause huge financial losses to the government, which is already paying health workers to provide services,” Rwamwiri added.
The NDA said the operation forms part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on the theft and illegal distribution of government medicines, warning that anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law.
