🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
NEFF criticizes health ministry for transferring, not suspending, medicine theft suspects
via The Namibian4 min read
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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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