Grapevine

NDA opens central regional office in Masaka

The National Drugs Authority (NDA) has opened offices for the central region districts to enhance service delivery and save clients from covering long distances to seek services in Kampala City.

While the decision to create the offices in Masaka City was initiated in July, the authority officially openned the offices to the public on September 28.

Speaking during the opening, NDA chairperson Medard Bitekyerezo denounced increasing cases of drug theft despite awareness campaigns made by government among other stakeholders.

According to NDA, most drugs stolen from public health facilities end up at private facilities, denying poor people access to drugs.

Preliminary investigations by NDA and security indicate that some of the stolen drugs, particularly ARVs, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics and RDTs, are smuggled out of the country.