Government warns drug thieves

Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has spoken against the theft of drugs from public facilities, saying those found in the wrong would be prosecuted.

The minister said this when she received essential medicines worth $138, 610 (about K114 million) from the Indian government at Central Medical Stores Trust in Lilongwe Tuesday.

“One of the biggest challenges is drug theft but we are working on it. We are tackling this malpractice head on and we will not allow anyone to steal medical equipment from public facilities,” Kandodo Chiponda said.

She hailed the Indian government for the timely assistance.

“Though India is facing the same challenge of the Covid pandemic, the generosity and goodwill of the people of India to the people of Malawi is very evident,” she said.

Speaking after handing over the medicines, High Commissioner for India to Malawi Shri Gopalakrishnan said the donation underscores the friendly ties between the two countries.

“India is a close development partner of Malawi and remains committed to assisting Malawi in its socio-economic development efforts including the health and welfare of the friendly people of Malawi. The gift of medicines is yet another manifestation of India’s unwavering commitment to supporting Malawi,” Gopalakrishnan said.

The donation is part of India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) and ongoing collaboration with Malawi to combat the Covid pandemic.

In March this year, India donated 50,000 doses of “Made in India” Covid vaccines to the Malawi Government.

Last year in July, India also donated essential medicines worth $2 million to Malawi.