Itek, Dokolo District | June 30, 2025 –
A wave of concern and outrage has gripped Itek Sub-county in Dokolo District following a major break-in at Onywako Health Centre III, where unidentified individuals looted vital medical supplies and equipment, rendering the facility non-operational.
According to reports received by Dokolo Post from sub-county leadership, the hospital store was found wide open on Sunday morning, with no health workers in sight. Critical medical items including a brand-new microscope, 58 boxes of RVT, 196 packs of Coartem tablets, and 221 family planning drugs were reported missing.
LC3 Chairperson Bonny Ongura, in an interview, confirmed the break-in and described the situation as alarming. “The incident likely occurred on Saturday night.
Locals living near the facility told me they noticed the store doors open on Sunday morning but assumed it was the health staff,” Ongura said.
Further investigation revealed that the health center’s security guard was absent at the time of the theft. Reportedly, he had traveled to attend to his ailing father, leaving the facility unguarded.
Ongura called the incident a blow to healthcare delivery in the region. “Onywako Health Centre III serves communities in Itek, Agali, Barr, and parts of Aloi Town Council.
Right now, the center has nothing to offer,” he lamented, urging authorities from the Ministry of Health and district leadership to urgently intervene and restock the facility.
He also appealed to residents to be vigilant and report anyone found in possession of stolen government medical supplies or attempting to sell them.
Police in Itek have begun investigations, recording statements from the health center’s staff as part of efforts to bring the culprits to justice.
The theft has left hundreds of residents without essential health services, raising fears of a looming health crisis in the affected areas.
ENDS
This is so sad