By Tinoonga Mawere, Chiredzi |A 35 year old Chiredzi Hospital nurse was allegedly found with drugs stolen from the government hospital stashed at her house.
 
Moreblessing Makwangwaudze who is based at the giant government hospital appeared before magistrate Geraldine Mutsotso facing charges of contravening the Medicines and Allied Control act.
Makwangwaudze allegedly stole the drugs while on night duty.
After commencing night duty she took 22 x 100 milligrams vials of the pethidine drug and hid them in her handbag.
As the other nurses on duty requested the same drug,it was discovered only a few packets of the medicine were left. A police report was made and her house was searched leading to the discovery of several other drugs she hid in the ashes in her house. She was also found in possession of 5 x 100 milligrams of the Diazepam drug and 4 ampoules of Pethidine.
Makwangwaudze ‘s case reflects the state of desperation among the country’s medical professionals who are surviving on paltry salaries.
Zimbabwean doctors have gone on strike since they are unhappy with the paltry salaries they are getting .The country has suffered a huge brain drain trend especially in the health sector with nurses and doctors leaving the country to seek greener pastures.The lack of motivation on the part of medical staff is also jeopardising the health standards in the country.
It is understood Makwangaudze intended to sell the drugs at the black market at inflated prices . There are reports that government hospitals are running out of essential drugs and this could worsen the situation for people living with chronic illness.