Police in Budaka District are currently investigating a case involving health workers from Lyama Health Centre III, suspected of stealing government drugs from the facility. The theft, reported by Mr. Joseph Masolo, the senior clinical officer in charge of the facility, was valued at Shs68,590,033 and included essential medicines like Artosonate, MRDT, D-ARTEPP, and RDT test kits, all supplied by the National Medical Stores.
The investigation indicates that the theft occurred shortly after the drugs were received by the facility in early December 2023. A security guard employed at the facility has been arrested to assist the police in their inquiries. It’s reported that he had been involved in minor thefts within the facility previously, although these incidents had been managed by administrators.
The stolen drugs were stored in the facility’s store, with access keys held by the in-charge and a duplicate set given to the security guard. The theft was discovered on January 30, 2024, when Mr. Masolo found empty boxes in the store, despite the padlocks appearing intact. It’s suspected that the thief used a duplicate key to gain unauthorized access to the store.
The police have initiated an investigation and have recovered some empty boxes from the store to aid in their inquiries. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend any other suspects involved in the theft.
