NDA boss, Dr.Bitekyerezo raises alarm over rampant theft of govt medicines

Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Chairman of the National Drug Authority (NDA), has expressed grave concern over the growing issue of theft and smuggling of government-provided medicines in Uganda.

Essential drugs intended for vulnerable patients in public healthcare facilities are being diverted and sold illegally, with Masaka District emerging as a major hotspot for this crisis.

In a public address, Dr. Bitekyerezo detailed the far-reaching consequences of the illicit trade, noting the strain it places on the country’s already struggling healthcare system.

He pointed out that medicines meant to save lives are being stolen from government facilities and sold for profit, leaving patients in desperate need.

"Recently, we apprehended two Congolese nationals smuggling government medicines. They claimed to have bought the drugs from a hospital in Kampala, despite the fact that we had just delivered them to a prison facility. Tragically, both prisoners were found dead in custody the following day," Bitekyerezo revealed.

He emphasized that the illegal sale of government medicines deprives the health sector of critical resources and worsens the plight of patients who rely on timely access to these drugs.

"Just last week, two children tragically died at Masaka General Hospital due to a shortage of medicines. It’s heartbreaking to think that the very drugs that could have saved their lives were stolen and sold to private pharmacies," Bitekyerezo lamented.

Masaka Regional Referral Hospital has become a focal point in this crisis, with repeated reports of drug theft. Insiders within the hospital have been identified as smuggling medicines out of the facility, exacerbating shortages.

According to Masaka Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Hudu Hussein, the stolen drugs are often concealed in seemingly innocuous containers, making it difficult for law enforcement and hospital staff to detect the theft.

"Here in Masaka, the issue is widely known. Medicines are smuggled out daily, often hidden in flasks by individuals who are hard to identify. Disturbingly, in many cases, it's the doctors' own spouses involved in these thefts," Hudu revealed.

Reports suggest that the stolen medicines are being smuggled into neighboring countries, with significant quantities reaching the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The alarming revelations came to light during the launch of the NDA’s new offices in Masaka City, which aim to improve the monitoring and regulation of medicines in the Central Region.

Meanwhile, executives in the private pharmaceutical sector have raised concerns about the challenges they face due to the heavy taxes and regulatory oversight imposed by the NDA, which they argue are stifling their business operations.