State launches drugs scam probe

 

By ALEX NJOVU

 
GOVERNMENT has instituted investigations into the alleged theft of essential drugs involving five Ministry of Health personnel.
Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao disclosed in an interview on February 3 that five workers are under investigation for allegedly stealing drugs intended for distribution to public health institutions.
Mr Simbao said the investigations have reached an advanced stage.
The minister warned civil servants against stealing drugs meant for public health institutions.
“We are currently investigating five workers under the Ministry of Health for stealing drugs meant for distribution to public health institutions. Some of these workers are distribution officers. As a ministry and Government, we don’t encourage pilferage and those involved will be dealt with severely,” he said.
Mr Simbao warned that the civil servants allegedly creating an artificial shortage of essential drugs will be prosecuted.
He said Government is disappointed with revelations by the Health Workers Union of Zambia (HWUZ) that some civil servants are allegedly creating an artificial shortage of essential drugs in a bid to discredit Government.
"We would like to tell the civil servants who are involved in these illegal activities that they will not succeed in discrediting the MMD government because every Zambian knows that President Banda has performed very well in the period he has been in office."
"They will be embarrassed at the end of the day because President Banda is enjoying massive support from Zambians within and outside the country," he said.
He said the government under President Banda's leadership is developing all parts of the country.
He advised civil servants to desist from engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to national development.
Mr Simbao said Government will continue working towards developing the country.
He warned that Government will discipline civil servants who are frustrating its development agenda.
Mr Simbao said it is inhuman for some civil servants to create an artificial shortage of drugs in an effort to discredit Government.
"Such people must not even exist… It is wrong and everyone must condemn them for their selfishness. I have very good news for them that we have drugs in our institutions. I have just visited six to seven clinics and they all have drugs but let me warn again that those that will be caught pilfering drugs will be dismissed and will be taken to court to face the law for their acts," Mr Simbao said.
He commended HWUZ officials for supporting Government in its efforts to provide quality health care.