By: Mohamed Sahr
In a decisive move to protect Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, the Ministry of Health, through the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) and the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, has expressed deep concern over persistent drug theft and mismanagement across public health units and government hospitals nationwide.
This announcement was made during a press briefing held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Youyi Building in Freetown.
Madam Jatu Abdulai, Managing Director of the National Medical Supplies Agency, revealed that her institution has allegedly uncovered numerous attempts to steal and illegally redistribute medical supplies from various government health facilities.
She described the act as a way to undermining the integrity of the Ministry of Health. “Free healthcare commodities are being diverted to unauthorized locations,” Madam Abdulai disclosed.
To combat this, she noted that all government health facilities and district medical stores have been equipped with the M-Supply software system. This system is designed to manage health commodities by tracking their distribution and usage on a patient-by-patient basis.
“This control system helps manage commodities at the facility level and promotes accountability,” Madam Abdulai said.
She also emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration, stating that NMSA partners with district councils, health management teams, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Office of National Security (ONS), the media, and civil society organizations to ensure transparency during the distribution process.
Madam Abdulai expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone and donor partners for their continued support in the procurement and distribution of free healthcare services. She urged all involved to ensure resources are used for their intended purpose.
Andrew Sorie, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that drug theft has become increasingly frequent, citing a recent case in Kono where a nurse was caught with stolen supplies.
“We only take administrative action after the police and ACC have completed their investigations,” he stated.
Sorie explained that penalties include interdiction, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity of the offense. Once investigations are concluded, the Ministry invokes clauses in the Civil Service Code to apply disciplinary measures.
He urged the public and healthcare workers to steer clear of drug mismanagement, warning that strict enforcement mechanisms are in place.
Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services nationwide.
“Without a functional human resource system, even the best equipment and facilities won’t achieve results,” he stated.
He acknowledged the repeated incidents of drug theft and noted that such acts often involve insiders who conspire to facilitate the process. Dr. Kenneh stressed that the Ministry has strengthened its quarterly drug distribution process and equipped many facilities with solar power to improve service delivery.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to act as watchdogs, promoting transparency and accountability in the health sector.
Dr. Moses Batema, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy Services, warned that any healthcare worker caught stealing or mismanaging drugs would face professional consequences.
“In collaboration with the Ministry, we will revoke the professional license of anyone found guilty,” Dr. Batema said.
He described drug peddling as a major challenge and vowed to intensify efforts to curb it. He confirmed that the Pharmacy Board and the Sierra Leone Police are coordinating a nationwide crackdown on offenders.
The Ministry of Health’s efforts highlight a renewed commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s healthcare resources. With increased surveillance, stricter penalties, and technological oversight, the government hopes to restore public trust and ensure that medical commodities reach the people who need them most.
