Executive raises concern over apparent smuggling of medication

Cabinet has warned that the apparent smuggling of medication into Zimbabwe will further hinder government efforts to make public healthcare facilities accessible and welcoming to foreign nationals.

The executive has raised concern over what seems to be a new syndicate stealing essential medicine and illegally transporting it to neighbouring countries.

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This came to light earlier this week when boxes containing antiretroviral (ARV) medication and other pharmaceuticals were found at the scene of a fatal bus crash in Limpopo.

Speaking to journalists after a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the medicine appears to have been stolen from public healthcare facilities.

Over the past three months, public healthcare facilities have become increasingly tense, with groups like Operation Dudula blocking access for foreign nationals.

The government has been working to calm the situation, emphasising that no one may be denied access to healthcare services.

But Ntshavheni has warned that the emergence of an apparent new syndicate smuggling ARV medication to neighbouring countries will only worsen hostilities.

“Unfortunately, the proof that confirms brazen theft of medicines from government clinics do not assist efforts to restore conditions for foreign nationals to access public healthcare.”

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) requires that pharmaceuticals be transported under strictly controlled temperature conditions.