STRONG medication given to patients to manage their pain during and after birth has allegedly been stolen from Umphumulo Hospital.
A source at the hospital in Maphumulo, northern KZN, said the medication was stolen on Tuesday from the maternity ward.
“They were taken with the cupboard they were kept in, leaving scores of patients without any medication to ease their pain.”
The source said hospital management was aware of the theft.
“They were informed on the same day the incident happened.
“It’s a tough situation as this could put patients’ lives in danger.
“Nobody knows how the mothers giving birth will cope without the medication.”
The source said the medication was recently ordered and is very expensive.
“This is not the first time this medication has been stolen.”
The source also said they suspect the current batch was stolen to be sold.
“The medication was too much. There is no way one could just steal it for personal use,” said the source.
Health spokesman Agiza Hlongwane said they are looking into the matter.
