MBARARA – The Inspectorate of Government – IG is set to investigate the persistent drug stock outs in public health facilities.
While many health facilities in the country order medicines through the National Medical Stores – NMS and the Joint Medical Stores, often health facilities in rural areas lack drugs while many in urban areas there are reported cases of shortages at the same time.
Speaking in Rubindi Town Council, the IGG Beti Kamya said that her office had received several complaints that health facilities have been turned into short-time shelves for drugs that are supplied by the government but are later either stolen or patients pay for them.
Kamya was responding to concerns raised by residents of Rubindi Town Council during a Baraza organised by the IG to create more awareness and sensitization about the new lifestyle Audit campaign that was launched in 2021.
While at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV in Bwizibwera-Rutooma Town Council, patients told her that the facility is always hit by drug shortages, putting their lives at risk.
They also said that health workers especially at Rubindi Health Centre III, and Kariro Health Centre II report late for duty and leave shortly after lunch.
Kamya directed the in-charge to furnish her office with documents about the drug supply from National Medical Stores-NMS.
Dr Ronald Atuhairwe blamed the drug stock on fewer drugs supplied by NMS – revealing that Health Centre IVs were not supposed to requisition medicines exceeding Ugx19m.
The Director of Project Risk, Monitoring, and Control, Annet Twine said the IG would investigate the complaints.
Edward Kasagara, the Mbarara Chief Administrative Officer directed the district Health Officer to investigate the Health workers of Rubindi Health Centre III, and Kariro Health Centre II following allegations of absenteeism.
While in Ntungamo, Kamya also said that the IG had picked interest in the allegations of extortion and corruption at Entebbe Airport.
On Thursday, social media was awash with allegations from travellers who claim that some immigration officers are demanding bribes before clearing them to take flights.
She said that the allegations were tainting the country’s image and couldn’t be ignored.
