Chief Secretary Mkondiwa speaks tough on drug theft: Makes surprise visits to hospitals

Chief Secretary to government, George Mkondiwa, has issued a stern warning to public hospital workers who take advantage of their privileged access to government drugs and end up stealing to sell to the public and private entities.

The Chief Secretary issued the warning during his surprise visit to Ntcheu and Balaka district hospitals on Wednesday.

Of late, government drugs have found way onto the market both locally and internationally, a development that has forced authorities and key stakeholders such as donors to start tightening the screws by reforming the health sector.

The sudden sojourn had a clear vindication at Ntcheu District Hospital where Mkondiwa was shocked not to find any top official both in administration and clinical sections.

This worried Mkondiwa who wondered how such a big institution can run daily operations in the absence of top management.

Absenteeism in public institutions has been a major worry by government as it has been one of the reasons for poor service delivery and inefficiency over the years.

Meanwhile, It was noted during the visits that absenteeism by top management facilitates drug theft as systems remain unmonitored hence loose and porous.

Mkondiwa did not hide his displeasure at the hospital’s management who according to junior officers spend a lot of time attending to personal business or workshops in Lilongwe, Mangochi and Blantyre.

“I’m disappointed, deeply disappointed with what I found at Ntcheu district hospital. There was literally no one to talk to at senior level I am told most of them went to attend to their personal matters. As chief secretary to government I will not take this lightly this is a very serious matter and action will be taken,” said Mkondiwa.

However, his next stop at Balaka Hospital did not disappoint because he found all key personnel doing their normal errands.

After briefings and deliberations with members of staff at Balaka, Mkondiwa visited some of the wards where he cheered the sick.

Meanwhile, the chief secretary has told Nyasa Times that government will provide extra maize consignments to beef up food stocks for patients and guardians in all district hospitals.