By Naomi langisi

Lilongwe, 12 July, Mana: Minister of health Khumbize Chiponda, has issued a stern warning to those engaging in drug theft, calling law enforcement agencies to impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators.

Chiponda made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during the handover ceremony of drugs by World Health Organization (WHO) to Malawi health ministry.

The plea comes as the country struggles to contain the theft of essential medicines which has compromised health care delivery services.

“We have put computers and CCTV cameras in central referral hospitals for us to be able to know what has come in and out and we are asking all Malawians to come together to address this challenge, “she said.

She further vowed to take a tougher stance on drug theft by urging the judicially to prosecute offenders so that they face the fullest extent of the law.

Speaking at the event, WHO country representative Dr, Neema Kimambo, said that they want to make sure that everyone has access to health services through the availability of essential medicines.

“For everyone to have access to health care it means you need to have availability of essential medicines and this is part of strengthening the health services,” said Kimambo.

“We have brought different medicines based on the needs of health system in Malawi and as WHO we come to support Malawi as part of our emergency program, “she said.

The world Bank provided financial support through WHO for the total amount of $ 9 million from the Malawi COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health systems preparedness project for the emergency procurement of vital medicines and other medical supplies during the period of disaster in 2022 and 2023.