Inter-government agencies operation uncovers Madang’s medical drug distribution syndicate

An inter- government agencies operation in the Madang province into the illegal sale of medical drugs has uncovered a syndicate that is involved in the dispensing of medicine to vendors.

The operation was conducted over two weeks and covered Bogia, Usino-Bundi and Madang Districts.

Agencies involved in the operation included the National Department of Health, PNG Customs, the Investment Promotion Authority, Police, Madang Provincial Health Authority and Madang Urban Local Level Government.

This week, preliminary findings presented to the Madang Provincial Health Authority showed that a well established network involving health workers distributing medical drugs to street vendors and even shops.

Dum Iwa Technical advisor for compliance, licensing and inspection with the National Department of Health says the findings are so alarming in that the established network has connections with other provinces as well and officers within the health system.

The report reveals that the Madang syndicate has connections in Wewak, Lae, Mt Hagen, Goroka, and Kundiawa, and conduct similar operations to the one uncovered in Kimbe, West New Britain Province last year.

The team has come up with a number of recommendations that it has put forward to the Madang Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to take on board, including the need for a permanent task force to be established in Madang to continue the operation, and for tougher actions to be taken against health workers involved in the syndicate.

The Madang PHA has indicated that health workers in the province involved in the illegal dispensing of medical drugs will be severely reprimanded.

Director Curative Health Dr Jiuth Gawi says appropriate actions will be taken against the officers responsible, and may face termination from work.