Darfur hospital hit by theft of drugs and equipment

The Zalingei Teaching Hospital in Central Darfur State has reported the theft of medicines from its warehouses.

The medicines stolen were donated by Médecins Sans Frontières, and included anti-malaria drugs. The hospital, which is the largest in the state, has also reported the theft of diagnostic equipment, including a blood chemistry analyzer.

A source from the Zalingei Community Initiative for Supporting Zalingei Hospital told Radio Tamazuj that the theft cases have been ongoing. The initial incident involved the blood chemistry analyzer, valued at millions of pounds, whose loss has severely hindered the hospital’s ability to provide critical services.

Other sources said that the latest incident involved the theft of medicines from the hospital’s warehouses without breaking any doors. The perpetrators, they said, managed to unlock the storage without any resistance or pursuit from the hospital’s security personnel.

The sources called on the authorities to enforce stricter supervision over the hospital and to implement stringent laws to deter anyone from tampering with the vital medical resources.

The hospital administrative director, Ena Al-Dawai, revealed that investigations into the theft were ongoing. He said a report had been filed and legal and security measures taken.

Al-Dawai disclosed that the stolen medicines were taken from the storage after being received from Médecins Sans Frontières, without any signs of a forced entry, suggesting the involvement of individuals with access to the storage.

He admitted that there was a degree of administrative disorder, exacerbated by the presence of both volunteers and regular staff, making it difficult to maintain strict control within the hospital.

Al-Dawai emphasized the need for stringent regulations to define the work hours and manage the entry and exit of all staff and volunteers. He stressed the importance of clearly delineating the responsibilities of all the personnel, to mitigate any deficiencies.

Central Darfur is one of the areas in the western region of Darfur under control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Foces (RSF).

The RSF has been fighting the army for control of Sudan since April 2023 in a war that has killed thousands, displaced almost 8 million, and sparked warnings of famine.