Criminal syndicates act as patients to steal medicine and sell it on the black market

Criminal syndicates acting as patients obtain medication from Mpumalanga health institutions and sell it on the black market.

This is the warning from Bosman Grobler, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature and the DA’s spokesperson on health.

Healthcare workers reported that individuals register at multiple clinics and hospitals to collect in-demand medicines such as antiretrovirals.

This is made possible by weaknesses in the Mpumalanga Health Department’s patient verification, record management and medicine control systems.

Grobler said that the Mpumalanga Department of Health must investigate individuals exploiting weaknesses in the province’s patient record systems.

“During recent oversight visits, healthcare workers alleged that some individuals are able to register at multiple clinics and hospitals,” he said.

“They collect in-demand medicines such as antibiotics, pain medication, cough syrups and antiretrovirals. These medicines may be diverted to the illicit market.”

“These allegations point to weaknesses in patient verification, record management and medicine control systems.”

“The Department must urgently establish whether organised criminal syndicates are exploiting these vulnerabilities and take immediate action to close any gaps.”

He said that people who fraudulently obtain medication or divert it for illegal resale are stealing from vulnerable South Africans who rely on public healthcare.

“We will hold the Mpumalanga Department of Health accountable until these allegations are investigated and perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.