Post a comment 
The Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Batema, has announced the suspension recommendation of three pharmacists amid ongoing investigations into widespread drug theft in Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector.
The pharmacists, linked to facilities in Kambia, Pujehun, and the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) in Freetown, are currently under intense scrutiny. Dr. Batema revealed this during a media engagement hosted by the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services (DPS), and supervised by the Ministry of Health.
To reinforce justice, the Directorate is working in close coordination with the Sierra Leone Police particularly the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) as well as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to conduct thorough investigations. “Anyone caught mismanaging drugs will face severe consequences,” Dr. Batema stated, reaffirming the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption within the pharmaceutical chain.
Managing Director of NMSA, Jatu Abdulai, underscored the Agency’s role in ensuring consistent delivery of essential drugs to public health facilities across the country. She expressed concern over rising cases of drug theft, particularly at district levels, and stressed that medications supplied under the Free Healthcare Scheme must not be sold. “These drugs are for free distribution to support vulnerable groups. This message must be enforced,” she asserted.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kanneh, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s financial investment in securing essential medications. He issued a stern warning to healthcare workers engaged in misconduct. “We will not take lightly any actions that compromise our healthcare goals,” he said, calling on District Medical Officers and Hospital Superintendents to strengthen monitoring during drug deliveries.
As part of broader reforms, the NMSA and DPS have pledged to intensify supervision across medical stores and hospitals, enhance digital tracking of pharmaceuticals, and conduct refresher training on ethics and accountability in drug management.
This unified response aims to rebuild public trust and protect the integrity of Sierra Leone’s healthcare delivery system. With stronger oversight and inter-agency collaboration, the government is determined to ensure every citizen receives the medications they need free of charge and without corruption.
