Namibian health ministry faces multiple corruption investigations, ACC confirms
via The Namibian6 min read
The Anti-corruption Commission ACC director general Paulus Noa has confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently under multiple investigations for alleged fraudulent activities. These investigations, which involve theft and fraud within the ministry, are complicated by bureaucratic procurement processes, making it difficult to identify those responsible. The ministry has also initiated its own internal probes into these irregularities. The ACC's investigation follows the health ministry's recent internal inquiry into suspected fraud within the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Executive director Penda Ithindi stated that information suggests some staff members, particularly at the Central Medical Stores CMS, may be involved in manipulating stock data and diverting pharmaceutical supplies. These actions are believed to have created artificial shortages to trigger emergency procurement. Staff members implicated have been reassigned, and the ministry is collaborating with law enforcement, vowing disciplinary and criminal action against those found guilty. This is not the first time the ministry's procurement systems have faced scrutiny; last December, a medical supply company was banned for five years after supplying suspected stolen medical equipment, and previously, nine health ministry officials were implicated in rigging medical tenders worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters NEFF has challenged the health ministry's decision to transfer officials allegedly involved in pharmaceutical theft and stock record manipulation, rather than suspending them. NEFF deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu raised this concern in the National Assembly, questioning why implicated staff members were reassigned instead of suspended pending investigations, especially given ongoing medicine shortages. Health minister Esperance Luvindao stated that while her office initially directed suspensions, due process under the Public Service Commission rules and regulations must be followed, requiring evidence gathering before suspensions. Iipumbu rejected this explanation, arguing that decisive action is needed to ensure accountability and prevent further risk to lives. Executive director of health and social services Penda Iithindi previously confirmed that the alleged misconduct includes manipulation of stock records, theft, and diversion of pharmaceutical supplies within the national system.
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