Hospital heist shocker: Stolen drugs dumped as Mpilo cracks down

Mpilo Central Hospital has intensified security measures following revelations of widespread theft of medicines, food and equipment within the institution, introducing "stop and search" operations that have already led to the recovery of stolen items.

Over the past three weeks, the hospital has been conducting searches at entry and exit points as part of efforts to curb internal pilferage. The move comes after a recent incident in which a consignment of drugs was discovered dumped at a nearby shopping centre by vigilant residents from the Barbourfields community.

Acting Director of Operations, Mr Phineas Sithole, confirmed the discovery, saying the hospital has since tightened security in response to what appears to be organised theft.

"There have been medication thefts, as evidenced by this discovery. It sets us back in our efforts to ensure that supplies are available within the hospital. Following the thefts of drugs from within, we have received numerous reports of people purchasing medications from around the hospital. Unfortunately, most people don't check before buying from the streets. They only realise afterwards that they have purchased expired or illicit drugs," he said.

Mr Sithole lamented that members of the public often fail to disclose where they obtain the drugs or identify those involved, thereby putting their own lives at risk.

He described the quantity of drugs found discarded in a rubbish pile as staggering, suggesting that the suspect may have panicked as investigations tightened.

"The items included a mixture of expired and fresh medications, such as antibiotics, vitamins, anaesthesia drugs, birth control tablets, injectables, cannulas and syringes. Clearly, people are involved in illegal trade," he said.

The hospital anticipates further recoveries as investigations continue.

"We appreciate the community's vigilance. The person who dumped the drugs did so in a rubbish dump, but residents recognised that it was unusual and alerted the police, who then informed us. We urge the community to continue this positive attitude — they must feel ownership of the hospital and act as part of the health team by reporting such activities," Mr Sithole added.

In response to what officials believe are organised syndicates, the hospital has introduced a stop-and-search policy affecting staff, visitors and vehicles entering or leaving the premises.

"We are conducting searches at the main entrances and exits, including on staff and visitors, even those in vehicles. We are encountering some resistance, but we believe these measures are beginning to bear fruit," he said.

Mr Sithole urged the public to refrain from purchasing drugs and hospital equipment from informal traders, warning of serious health risks.

"If the hospital runs out of drugs and you are advised to buy, you must go to reputable and registered pharmacies. Avoid buying from individuals or within hospital grounds and surroundings, as this is illegal and dangerous," he cautioned.

The hospital has also recently raised concern over vandalism at renovated doctors' quarters, where copper pipes were stolen, further compounding the institution's challenges.