By Phyllis KachereTHE Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is probing all central and provincial hospitals following allegations that some officials at these institutions are selling anti-retroviral and other essential drugs to private pharmacies.
The criminal activities are creating artificial shortages of these drugs at the public hospitals, forcing patients to buy the medicines at the private pharmacies at exorbitant prices. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Welfare Dr Douglas Mombeshora told The Sunday Mail that his ministry had launched an internal investigation following the reports.
“We suspect officials at the major hospitals have been diverting and selling ARVs and other essential drugs meant for the public to private pharmacies where they would later refer hospital patients to buy them,” said Dr Mombeshora. “Numerous reports have been lodged with the ministry by the public, citing dubious shortages of especially ARVs at these institutions. Internal investigators are on the ground as we speak.” Dr
Mombeshora said the hospitals will also be investigated for various other underhand dealings in nurse training recruitment.
Potential nurse trainees were forced to pay bribes ranging from US$500 to US$800 to secure places.
Dr Mombeshora said the investigators will also look into allegations that some hospital officials were prejudicing the State by undercharging patients and pocketing the proceeds. Major hospitals under investigation include Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare Central Hospital and Mpilo Central Hospital.
Provincial hospitals will not be spared.
Although results of the probe were still trickling in, Dr Mombeshora was optimistic that the rogue officials would soon be brought to book. The head of the Aids and TB Unit in the ministry, Dr Owen Mugurungi, confirmed the reports and said: “According to our procurement and stock status, we should not be experiencing shortages of ARVs at public hospitals.”-The Sunday Mail
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