Hon. Lagen David Otuka, Member of Parliament for Agago County, has urged the government to take swift action to protect medicines in public health facilities, warning that insider malpractice is undermining the delivery of healthcare to ordinary Ugandans.
Otuka noted that in many parts of the country, medical workers operate private clinics close to the government facilities where they are employed, a practice that has fuelled public suspicion and, in some cases, allegations of drug diversion.
“In many cases, we have also seen medical workers having a clinic near the very facility they are working in,” he said.
“The government needs to quickly look into the major steps to be taken to ensure the safety of drugs in the health centres and make sure they fulfil the primary intention of treating the people.”
The legislator stressed that government medicines are purchased with public funds and must be safeguarded from theft, mismanagement, or misuse.
He called for targeted training to equip health workers with the knowledge and systems needed to secure drug stocks.
“The medical officers need to be trained on how they can protect and ensure the safety of the drug that has been brought to the health centre to support the local people,” Otuka said.
His remarks come as the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Ministry of Health intensify efforts to tackle drug pilferage, including embossing government medicines, tracking deliveries digitally, and encouraging community whistleblowing.
Otuka urged both health facility management and district authorities to tighten supervision and strengthen accountability measures, warning that failure to do so will continue to deny vulnerable citizens access to essential treatment.
“We cannot allow medicines meant for the sick to be diverted or stolen,” he said. “Protecting these drugs is not just a professional duty—it is a moral responsibility to the people we serve.”
