Authorities in Namayingo district have arrested and detained, Job Wafula, a health worker attached to Lolwe health III in Lolwe subcounty for allegedly stealing drugs from the government health facility in Lolwe Island.
Wafula’s arrest came after a tip off from the facility local watchman who alerted authorities about the nurse who was reportedly vanishing with items in the wee hours of Friday January 12, 2024.
It is said that Wafula was intercepted with fifteen malaria testing kits and other drugs used in the treatment of malaria, which he was allegedly transporting to his local drugshop in the yet to be identified place.
The suspect was detained at Kandeege police post under Reference: 08/11/01/2024, facing charges of theft of drugs from medical store.
Allegations reveal that Wafula has for three times been transferred from one health center to another over related cases of theft of government drugs.
Contacted for a comment by the is writer, Namayingo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Trevor Solomon Baleke, confirmed Wafula’s arrest saying he must face legal actions to cease the illegal habit.
“Wafula should serve as an example to medical personnel who have made it usual to stealing drugs from government facilities,” said Mr. Baleke.
Mr Baleke noted that during a Tuesday January 9, 2024 meeting of the District Taskforce on malaria it was revealed that few patients of malaria were registered while more dozes were disbursed in health centers of Namayingo district.
He attributed the abnormal records to theft of drugs as health workers instead don’t treat patients, transferring the drugs to their pharmacies and drug shops.
“Some health centers recorded 300 cases of malaria but dozes used were over 800. This really signifies theft of drugs which we shall not admit as authorities,” he said.
Baleke further stated that the suspect before being arraigned in courts of law, must explain to authorities on his motives and authority of embezzling government items.
“We might also consider taking him to a public meeting to make a public apology,” said the Deputy RDC.
