Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
MPILO Central Hospital has strengthened its measures against the theft of medicines, food and hospital equipment within the facility, implementing “stop and search” measures over the past three weeks resulting in the recovery of various items stolen by staff members.
Last week, alert members from the nearby Barbourfields community reported a consignment of drugs that was dumped at a nearby shopping centre.
Acting Director of Operations, Mr Phineas Sithole confirmed the discovery of the consignment to the Sunday News, stating that they have since tightened security.
“There have been medication thefts, as evidenced by this discovery. It sets us back in our efforts to ensure that supplies are available within the hospital. Following the thefts of drugs from within, we have received numerous reports of people purchasing medications from around the hospital. Unfortunately, most people don’t check before buying from the streets. They only realise afterwards that they have purchased expired or illicit drugs,” he explained.
He lamented that the community often does not disclose where they access those drugs or identify who is involved within the hospital, thereby putting their own lives at risk.
Mr Sithole added that the discovery of drugs at a nearby shopping centre highlighted the extent of theft occurring within the hospital.
“As you also saw, the amount of antibiotics we found discarded in a rubbish pile at the shops is staggering. It appears someone felt the net was closing in and decided to dump the drugs. The items included a mixture of expired and fresh medications, such as antibiotics, vitamins, anaesthesia drugs, birth control tablets, injectables, cannulas, syringes and more. Clearly, people are involved in illegal trade,” he said.
Mr Sithole said they are anticipating the recovery of more drugs discarded by those who have been stealing from the hospital as the net closes in on them.
“We appreciate the community’s vigilance in notifying us. The person who dumped the drugs did so in a rubbish dump, but the community recognised that it was unusual waste and alerted the police, who then informed us. We urge the community to continue this positive attitude — they must feel ownership of the hospital and act as part of the health team by reporting such activities,” he said.
He assured that the availability of surgical supplies and medications would improve once all syndicates involved in drug thefts are dismantled.
Following the realisation that organised groups were stealing drugs, the hospital introduced a stop-and-search policy.
“We are also conducting searches at the main entrances and exits, including on staff and visitors, even those in vehicles. We are encountering some resistance, but we believe these measures are beginning to bear fruit,” said Mr Sithole.
He called on the community to refrain from purchasing hospital drugs and equipment from the streets, warning that it poses significant risks to their health.
“If the hospital runs out of drugs and you are advised to buy, you must go to reputable and registered pharmacies. Avoid buying from individuals or within hospital grounds and surroundings, as this is illegal and dangerous,” he cautioned.
The hospital recently expressed concern over the vandalism of the renovated doctors’ quarters where copper pipes were stolen from the residence. — @NyembeziMu
derick.khumalo