Fraud allegedly uncovered at Central Medical Stores

By: Selma Taapopi

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a comprehensive internal investigation into its Central Medical Stores (CMS) following the emergence of information pointing to possible fraud involving some of its staff members.

Preliminary findings suggest that individuals within the ministry, particularly those stationed at CMS, may have played a role in irregular activities affecting the integrity of the national pharmaceutical supply system.

In a statement released on Friday morning, the health ministry’s Executive Director, Penda Ithindi, confirmed that the alleged misconduct includes the manipulation of inventory records, as well as the theft and diversion of medical supplies intended for public healthcare facilities.

“The alleged manipulation of stock level information and the diversion of these life-saving resources severely undermine the ministry’s ability to provide adequate healthcare services. It is further alleged that these actions have resulted in the deliberate creation of artificial shortages, seemingly intended to generate public panic and trigger emergency procurement processes,” Ithindi said.

The ministry further indicated that the probe will be thorough and impartial, warning that should investigations substantiate the allegations, those implicated will face both disciplinary measures and criminal prosecution, with authorities prepared to pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law.