Staff on the spot over drugs theft at Maragua Hospital

Five staffers at Maragua Level Four Hospital risk arrest and prosecution following the theft of medicines worth Sh3 million from the facility’s store.

Murang’a South Police Commander Alexander Shikondi said the theft points to an inside job.

“The thefts have been executed in two heists — one on November 27 and the other on December 14, 2021. In the recent incident, no door was broken. In the first incident, the door to the store was broken but curiously, the hospital management never made a formal police report,” Mr Shikondi said.

The thefts targeted paracetamols that are used to treat pain and fever as well as Septrin (a brand name for a combination of antibiotics called cotrimoxazole) which is used to treat bacterial infections.

“These are two varieties of medicines that are widely administered and are very popular with over the counter customers hence targeted for the theft since they have a ready market,” he added.

He said five hospital workers, including Chief Pharmacist Esther Maina have, been interrogated. Four others, who include an intern, have also been questioned.

In the first incident, medicines worth Sh2.5 million was carted away while in the second heist the loss was estimated at Sh500,000.

Tip off

“It is interesting how the hospital’s management has behaved in the two incidents where it was apparent that it did not intend the matter to be known by investigating authorities. Were it not that we received a tip off, it would have remained a secret as patients continue to be told there is no medicine,” he said.

Maragua Residents and Business Community Association Chairman Mohammed Maluki threatened to lead a protest against the hospital following the revelation of the theft.

“That is the reason why private pharmacists, laboratories and clinics have set up shops starting from the main gate of the hospital. We know of the thriving business that these private practitioners are doing with our patients and it is not hard to know where they get their medical supplies from,” he said.

Outpatients who spoke to the Nation revealed how it is the norm to be referred to surrounding private practitioners for laboratory and pharmaceutical services, with investigations revealing that the staffers who make the ‘referrals’ earn a 20 per cent kickback.

Mr Maluki said the stolen medicine can only be for the purpose of resale to private practitioners “where the taxpayers foot the purchase of the medicine to treat their sick for free but corrupt staffers collude with private practitioners to steal it, hence risking the lives of area residents”.

“This time round those involved will not be lucky since we must prosecute the culprits and work hard to win convictions,” Mr Shikondi said.

He said arrests will be made after the Director of Public Prosecutions approves the pressing of charges against the suspects.

Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr Stephen Ngigi, said the hospital’s management will cooperate with investigators.

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