Health activist faults systems, lenient punishment on thefts

A renowned health expert has faulted poor and disconnected systems in the ministry of Health coupled with lenient sentences meted to those who steal money and drugs from the ministry as reasons for the endless rampant theft.

For the last two months, the ministry has been swindled K2 billion meant for the fight against HIV and AIDs which was funded by the US and a few months ago, billions of money which were meant for disease control were also stolen.

Dorothy Ngoma, a health activist and president of the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives said the rampant theft of money in government and at the ministry of Health in particular is a clear indication that there are weak accounting systems in government.

“This also shows that Malawians do not like their country. Professionals continue doing unprofessionalism. The people who are stealing are the ones who are supposed to protect the lives of people,” she said.

She said recent sentences for those who steal money or drugs in hospitals show they were not detrimental enough and called for stiffer punishments to deter would be offenders.

Ngoma also said the ministry of Health should have powers to hire and fire, saying the current bureaucratic system leaves culprits free as it takes time for the Office of the President and Cabinet to sanction arrests or prosecution.