Several people suspected of stealing drugs from government health centers in Western Equatoria have been arrested, a state health official has told Eye Radio.

The deputy director for Primary healthcare, Kornellio Umbato, says the drugs were taken from a center in Nzara County and sold in private clinics.

“There are no drugs in the hospitals but there are enough drugs in the markets,” he said. “That means the ministry of health is giving out the drugs.”

Mr Umbato says the stolen drugs could treat more than 1,000 cases of different diseases in more than a month.

The suspects, one is a storekeeper at the state hospital, were arrested in an operation by the national security services this afternoon in Yambio town.

“Today we are very happy because we got the drugs and the people who were selling it outside so that the ministry can know well how are they coming out with the drugs,” Mr Umbato continued.

“We should take this matter very serious so that some people who were selling drugs out will not be encouraged.”

Mr Umbato said this is the second time drugs have been stolen from the health facilities.

Last year, the ministry found drugs stolen from the health centers being sold in the markets in Yambio town.