Communities tipped to monitor drugs

Ukhondo Services Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has tipped people around Chilumba Health Centre in Karonga on how to monitor medical drugs at the facility.

Speaking on Friday at the facility during training on the malpractice, the organisation’s executive director Edgar Phiri said they wanted to empower people to take officers to task when they abuse medical drugs.

“If people do not have access to drugs, they paint a bad picture of government, yet the government is trying to provide drugs to its people, but some people allegedly sell the drugs,” he said.

Phiri also said they will work with health workers in the district to end the vice.

Speaking in a separate interview, Chilumba Barracks Health Centre management committee chairperson Kamwendo Harawa said the initiative will create transparency and accountability on the use of medical drugs.

“Most people cannot afford to buy drugs from pharmacies,” he said.

Karonga District director of health and social services David Sibale welcomed the development, saying it will give people an opportunity to know how resources meant for them are being used.

“However, people should also understand that at times drugs are out of stock and it is beyond our control,” he said.

The organisation is implementing the initiative with funding from Tilitonse Foundation.