Over 30% of govt drugs smuggled - NDA
Inspection. The General Manager for NMS, Mr Moses Kamabare (2nd left), explains to the Deputy Speaker, Mr Jacob Oulanyah (2nd right), the process of embossing medicines in October last year. National Drug Authority says many drugs are smuggled out of the country. FILE PHOTO.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) chairman, Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, has revealed that more than 30 per cent of government drugs are smuggled to neigbouring countries, putting the lives of Ugandans at risk.
Dr Bitekyerezo made the revelation yesterday during a prayer breakfast meeting organised by NDA to mark 25 years of valuable partnerships for effective drug regulation in Kampala.
“I have got information that these drugs are smuggled to DR Congo and South Sudan, among other countries. Police have arrested some [culprits] already,” he said.
He said NDA has also rescued drugs worth billions of shillings from private drug shops.
“If you think I am lying, you can go to our store at Nakawa. We have three Lorries of stolen drugs. This hurts me as the chairman of the authority because patients are dying because of failure to access treatment yet government buys the drugs,” Dr Bitekyerezo added.
Stolen drugs
Dr Bitekyerezo identified the most stolen drugs as anti-malarial and Anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), citing connivance between some selfish heath workers, storekeepers and gatemen.
“You can’t steal the drugs without the knowledge of store keepers and gatemen. Heads of health facilities have also relegated on their role but we shall arrest the culprits,” he warned.
The ministry of Health spokesperson, Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, said it is the responsibility of National Drug Authority and the National Medical Store to supervise and stop the leakages.
“We as ministry are aware that some drugs are either stolen by malicious people or smuggled across the borders,” Mr Ainebyoona said.
The drug authority also disclosed that some donated drugs expired or are about to expire despite persistent shortages in hospitals.
“This is because Uganda is a poor country. When health workers visit donor countries, they donate drugs which are almost expiring. Because you are a beggar, whatever you are given you pick. When they bring these drugs and expire, they hide them in their stores,” Dr Bitekyerezo explained.
He said there are some herbal drugs that have been tested and certified to be sold on the market as they offer good therapeutic treatment.
On herbal drugs
He advised Ugandans to get the herbal medicines only from licensed herbal drug shops in the country.
The acting director general in the ministry of Health, Dr Henry Mwebesa, who represented the minister of Health said: “Let’s continue working together to curb the vice to save lives of innocent Ugandans who are dying”.
The second deputy mufti of the Uganda, Mr Ali Waisswa Mohammed, cautioned health workers against stealing drugs.
