NDA: "At least 30% of drugs are stolen from government hospitals"

The chairman of the National Drug Authority (NDA) Dr Medard Bitekyerezo has said about 30 per cent of government drugs are stolen from Government Hospitals and Health Centres, across the country.

Bitekyerezo made the remarks while addressing journalists on Thursday, during the marking of 25 years of NDA existence, at Kampala Hotel Africana.

He said Malaria and HIV drugs are the most targeted by drug thieves, who then smuggle the medicine to neighbouring countries or sell to private clinics and drug shops in the country.

“I have advised those medical personnel involved in the racket of stealing government drugs to repent their sins and get saved, otherwise the law will soon catch up with them”, he said.

On expiry of drugs, he said the biggest quantities are found in Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) health facilities.

He pointed out that these NGO are known for donating expired drugs to communities and some of them end in the hands of drug hawkers, around cities.

“NDA impounded and destroyed over 900 tones of expired drugs across the country”, he added.

He called on NDA employees to exhibit high moral values and integrity, by desisting from taking part in drug stealing rackets.

Dr Henry Mwebesa, the Ministry of Health Director General for Health Services, said there are many fake drugs smuggled into the country.

He called upon NDA to scrutinise all drugs in drug shops and pharmacies, to root out fake drug dealers. “We require prayers for those involved in the stealing of Government drugs, to have their mindset changed”, he said.