Malawi: The officials at the Karonga District Hospital have confirmed that drugs have gone missing from the pharmacy wing of the hospital. The exact value of the drugs which have gone missing is currently unknown
The medicines which have gone missing were in an assortment, different medication from different sections of the stock have been reported missing. The robbery was allegedly caught on Friday and has since been reported to the authorities.
The police force has started their action into the incident and instilled a formal investigation in nto the incident. The officials have shared that the Karonga District Hospital’s (KDH) paying wing has not reported any signs of forced entry. This has made the investigation even more complicated.
Director of Health Services for Karonga District Council David Sibale has shared some of the details he recieved from from the hospital authorities. The hospital authorities have confirmed that they realised that drugs were missing in Friday.
The stealing may have taken place on the day the report was made or even before. Amoxyllin Syrup, Ciproflaxilllin, Doxycycline and Erythromycin are the drugs which have been reported missing.
The Karonga District Hospital management has confirmed that they have since informed the police who have instituted an investigation into the matter.
Public Relations Officer for Karonga Police Station, Margret Msiska has also provided confirmation about having received a complaint from officials. She has also confirmed that the investigation from the end of the police force has started.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission acused Karonga District Hospital (KDH) of mismanagement of resources in July 2024. The report had brought controversy to the organization and its staff members as several communities lost trust in the district hospital.
“There are cases of drug pilferage from Karonga District Health Office to private owned health facilities as confirmed by investigations which revealed that some health workers operate private clinics within the district depriving patients the necessary services at the district hospital where they are employed,” reads part of the report.