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Mozambique's Minister of Health, Hussene Isse, has revealed that more than 50 healthcare workers have been dismissed for involvement in illegal practices, including the diversion of medicines, unlawful charges and poor treatment of patients. The dismissals have taken place since the beginning of the current government's term as part of efforts to tackle irregularities within the National Health System.
The announcement was made at the end of the minister's working visit to Zambézia province, where he reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening oversight and holding healthcare professionals accountable for practices that undermine the quality of public health services.
"We have dismissed more than 50 healthcare workers for diverting medicines, imposing illegal charges and providing poor patient care. These are three major problems we are fighting in the sector, and some colleagues are unfortunately already out of the system because we have zero tolerance for such practices," Hussene Isse stated.
According to the minister, health authorities are strengthening internal monitoring mechanisms to identify and hold accountable employees involved in the disappearance of medicines and other irregularities at public healthcare facilities.
He stressed that all complaints must be properly investigated and, where allegations are confirmed, appropriate disciplinary measures must follow.
"When there are reports of medicine theft and poor patient care, there is no alternative but to remove those responsible from the system. Our purpose is to serve the public," he declared.
Government Investigates Suspicious Patient Referrals to Private Pharmacies
In addition to medicine theft, Hussene Isse expressed concern over cases in which patients are referred to private pharmacies despite prescribed medicines potentially being available at public healthcare facilities.
According to the minister, some employees working in hospital pharmacies are suspected of refusing to dispense medicines to patients, claiming that the products are unavailable before directing them to private establishments.
"Unfortunately, there are situations where a patient arrives with a prescription and the pharmacy employee simply refuses to dispense the medicine. They claim it is unavailable and then refer the patient to a private pharmacy. We are investigating this practice of denying availability when the medicine is actually in stock," he revealed.
Hussene Isse assured that authorities are investigating these cases to establish the circumstances surrounding the referrals and determine whether any employees should be held responsible.
Despite reports of medicine diversion, the minister rejected claims of a nationwide shortage of medicines, although he acknowledged that internal irregularities could affect the availability of pharmaceutical products at public health facilities.
During his visit to Zambézia, the minister also assessed medical assistance provided through a campaign offering hernia and hydrocele surgeries.
Two patients with complex medical conditions were identified during the campaign and are expected to be referred to Maputo for specialist assessments and appropriate treatment.
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening professional discipline and accountability as the sector seeks to improve patient care, ensure greater transparency in medicine management and restore public confidence in the country's healthcare services.
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