Nebbi health worker in hot soup over theft of government drugs

By Mike Rwothomio

Ronald Odyek, a health worker attached to Nebbi general hospital in Nebbi district has been arrested over reported theft of government drugs in Nebbi municipality. #WhisperEyeNews

Odyek was arrested after an intelligence team from Nebbi Central police station followed a suspicious boda boda rider who was carrying a drug assortment in a box following a tipoff from some concerned citizens at Omyer trading center in Nebbi sub county Nebbi district.

Upon arrest, the boda boda rider confessed to having coordinated with the Health worker who instructed him to deliver the yet-to-be-specified drug assortment to his own drug shop in Omyer trading center Nebbi sub county according to the District Police Commander of Nebbi SP Aminsi Kayondo

The LC 5 chairperson of Nebbi district Emmanuel Orombi confirmed to the Whisper Eye that Ronald Odyek who is currently at Nebbi central police station pending investigation, first denied the allegation not until the boda boda rider brought phone call records and some other evidence.

Orombi noted that this is the second time Odyek Ronald, a health worker in Nebbi general hospital is being implicated in an alleged drug theft scandal.

Orombi added that it’s some of the workers letting the government down notwithstanding other challenges the hospital is grappling with.

“It’s true today we have netted this man called Odyek Ronald who has been and is a renowned drug dealer. even last year he was arrested in Madi Okolo with drugs and the case is still there. he was arrested after intelligence first tracked down a boda boda man he reportedly sent to take drugs from Nebbi Hospital to his pharmacy” Orombi told the Whisper Eye

This comes at a time when there is public outcry about services at Nebbi general hospital ranging from understaffing, and insufficient drugs, amongst others yet it’s the only general hospital serving districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Pakwach,  Nebbi municipality Madi_ Okolo, and the eastern part of DRC.

Last year, Odyek Ronald and two other health workers were arraigned before court after they were implicated in theft of government drugs and their case is still pending.

Police say Odyek and his accomplice will be charged with illegal theft of government drugs.