MBABANE – The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has strongly disputed reports suggesting significant gaps in the delivery of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs by the Ministry of Health.
In a detailed press statement released today, the OAG said audits confirmed that only E33.9 million worth of medical supplies remain undelivered at the Central Medical Stores (CMS). This figure contrasts sharply with earlier claims circulating in court and media reports, which suggested discrepancies amounting to hundreds of millions of Emalangeni.
“All drugs procured by the Ministry of Health are first delivered to the Central Medical Stores before being distributed to health facilities,” the OAG said. “Any claims of drugs being delivered directly to health facilities outside the CMS are inaccurate and go against standard government procedures.”
The office explained that both manual and electronic stock management systems at CMS showed no records of undelivered goods beyond the verified amount. Officers of the OAG conducted physical inspections, confirming that the supplies recorded as delivered by a storekeeper were, in fact, not received at the CMS.
The OAG further noted that its audits are guided by internationally recognized standards and that the office has sufficient and appropriate evidence supporting its findings. “We provide assurance and add value to the lives of citizens. Our audits go beyond financial assessments; we examine compliance, performance, and conduct forensic investigations where needed,” the statement added.
The office also criticized media reports for lacking due diligence. “The journalist did not fully verify the facts before publishing unfounded assertions about our work,” the statement read.
The OAG encouraged anyone with additional documented evidence to submit it to the Ministry of Health, the OAG, or the Public Accounts Committee. “Our role is to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. We will continue to put the country and its citizens first without fear or favour,” the statement said.
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