Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has issued a stern warning to doctors, nurses and other public hospital staff against stealing medicine from public health facilities.
Speaking when he flagged off Sh72 Million drugs consignment for Kiambu hospitals on Thursday, Waititu said that anyone found stealing medicine will have himself or herself to blame.
He said that there have been reports of some rogue hospital staff stealing medicine in public health centers.
Waititu revealed that investigations into the allegations is ongoing, adding that those found culpable will be sacked, arrested and charged in court.
The Kiambu governor said that his government will automate services in all hospitals, dispensaries and health centers to guard against theft of drugs and equipment.
“We are issuing a stern warning to rogue health workers who have the intention to steal drugs that they will face full wrath of the law,” he said on Thursday.
Waititu said that the automated system will help track issuance of drugs and curb cases of theft and misuse.
The Jubilee governor further said that an audit is being carried out to establish health workers especially nurses and doctors who are working with the county but own pharmacies and private clinics.
He said that such doctors are stealing drugs to equip their private clinics which they later refer patients to.
Waititu asked locals not to accept doctor’s directions or advise to buy drugs from private clinics and pharmacies.
“The government has fully stocked hospitals with medicine and no doctor should send a patient to private clinic or pharmacy to buy medicine,” he said.
He asked the public to be vigilant and report rogue health officers to the police.
The governor at the time advised locals to register with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in order to get quality medical services.