Mpumalanga health department investigates claims of fake patients and medicine black market

Health workers claim individuals, believed to be foreign nationals, are collecting vital medicines, including antiretrovirals, and sending them to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. One health practitioner reported catching a patient collecting medication at three different clinics. A nurse expressed fear of reporting due to potential insider involvement.

Thandi Maluka, director of Positive Women’s Network, stated her organization is also investigating. Bosman Grobler, a DA member in the Mpumalanga legislature, highlighted concerns about weaknesses in patient verification, record management, and medicine control systems, suggesting that organized criminal syndicates might be exploiting these vulnerabilities. He urged the department to investigate how individuals can register at multiple facilities to collect in-demand medicines like antibiotics, pain medication, cough syrups, and antiretrovirals, which could be diverted to the illicit market.

Dumisani Malamule, spokesperson for the department, confirmed they are aware of the allegations and are assessing the information to determine if a formal investigation is warranted. He stated that the department has systems to identify and manage patient records and that any credible evidence of misconduct, fraud, theft, or unlawful activi