The government has announced the implementation of an electronic medicine tracking system in the National Health Service, with the aim of combating theft and diversion of drugs in public facilities. The measure comes in response to the growing incidence of theft of medicines and medical equipment in the country, the Lusa news agency reported on Tuesday, 13 May.
The announcement was made by Health Minister Ussene Isse during a visit to the Provincial Hospital in Tete on Sunday. The minister was adamant that there would be ‘zero tolerance’ for those involved in drug diversion schemes, promising to expel all civil servants caught in such practices.
‘There will be no compromise on the theft of medicines. Those caught stealing who are employees of the Ministry of Health will be expelled from the system. Immediate expulsion, with no possibility of negotiation,’ said Ussene Isse.
According to the minister, the new system requires all medicines imported into Mozambique to carry a security seal linked to an electronic monitoring mechanism. This seal will make it possible to track products from the moment they enter the country to their final destination, contributing to greater transparency and control.
‘With this innovation, digitisation will transform the sector and allow us to know, in real time, where medicines are being sold or diverted,’ explained Isse.
Medicine theft remains a concern
The decision follows several recent cases of medicine theft. In April 2024, health authorities in Sofala acknowledged weaknesses in the control of medicine warehouses in the city of Beira, following the arrest of six individuals, including health professionals, for involvement in drug smuggling.
‘Although control mechanisms are in place, the lack of video surveillance in warehouses remains a vulnerability,’ said Neusa Joel, provincial health director in Sofala, at the time.
In March of the same year, six people were arrested in Beira, four of whom were health centre employees, accused of attempting to smuggle medicines to Zimbabwe.
With the new measure, the government hopes to strengthen the security and integrity of the national health system, ensuring that medicines actually reach the citizens who need them.
