By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NTOROKO
Government of Uganda malaria, HIV and Hepatitis B drugs among others are being privately sold to private health facilities in DR. Congo, NDA reported.
This was divulged to the media during an operation by the National Drug Authority (NDA), together with Uganda Police in two districts of Ntoroko and Kyenjojo that neighbor DRC.
During the targeted enforcement operation, authorities recovered several government drugs and medical supplies worth over 300 million Ugandan shillings including more than 100 tins of ARVs, Anti Malaria, 80 cartons of Malaria test strips, 100 boxes of HIV and Hepatitis B test strips, several doses of unpacked Antibiotics and Paracetamol, 12 jerricans of laboratory reagents, among others which were ready for dispatch to DRC.
Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA spokesperson said seven (7) suspects were arrested in connection with illegal possession and sell of government drugs.
They are Samuel Lan Mwesige, an in-charge of Bweramule Health Centre Il, Mary Mbabazi, an enrolled nurse who was also acting as the stores in-charge for Bweramule Health Centre ll and Alex Mbusa, a porter working with Bweramule Health Centre lll in Ntoroko district.
One of the suspects, Mbusa was found confessed to authorities that he sells drugs to blockers who take them to DRC. This was after police , NDA found boxes of HIV, Hepatitis B and Malaria drugs at his home in Karugutu town.
Other suspects were arrested including a serving police officer at the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police, AIP TukeYusuf Katuramu, also a health officer working with Kyenjojo Police Health Centre l, Denis Blessing, proprietor of Denis pharmaceuticals in Kyenjojo, lsingoma lsiah and Bwamabale Tom were arrested in Kyenjojo during the targeted operation and enforcement.
It was further established that Denis Blessing, is a lead blocker of government drugs in the region who has been masquerading as a pharmacist working with Buhinga Hospital in Fort Portal and has been running an illegal phammacy (Denis’s pharmaceutical), conducting and unlicenced mobile distribution using
motorcycles in Kitangwenda, Kyegegwa and Kyenjojo (targeting remote areas of Kyarushozi among others.
“Over 32 cartons of assorted drugs suspected to be relabeled and repackaged government drugs were impounded form Denis’s pharmaceuticals. Pilferage of drugs meant for government facilities deprives the public of their right to access to healthcare and has long lasting consequences on the country’s development as well as loss of trust in the country’s healthcare system,” said Rwamwiri
He said the drugs and diagnostic kits that were recovered were not properly stored which could potentially compromise their safety, quality and efficacy.
“Some of the personnel like a hospital causal worker who is incompetent puts the lives of Ugandans at a great risk,” he said
Police said the suspects are currently detained at Fort Portal Police Station pending court to answer charges of unlawful possession of; government stores contrary to section 316 of the Penal Code, carrying on the business of a pharmacist without a license contrary to section 14(3) of the National Drug Policy and Authority (NDAP) Act as well as unlawful possession of classified
drugs centrally to section 27(2) of the NDA/P Act.
“Those who were working with government will also be charged with corruption and abuse of office.” Police said.
