By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has commended the Parliamentary Committee on Health for its decision to investigate the alleged rampant theft of drugs in public hospitals.
MHEN Executive Director George Jobe said media reports indicate drug theft is widespread in public health facilities, and many Malawians with information on the malpractice lack a platform to present evidence.
Jobe said the Committee’s probe will give citizens an opportunity to present evidence and report cases of drug theft.
He expressed hope that the Committee will engage various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, to devise measures to curb the vice in the health sector.
Jobe further disclosed that MHEN has been advocating for increased funding to the health sector, including a larger allocation to the drug budget, but noted that despite increased allocations, theft continues to occur in hospitals across the country.
Drug theft has remained rampant in Malawi, with several people apprehended for stealing drugs from public hospitals.
Despite warnings from the Ministry of Health and civil society organizations, the malpractice persists.
