SIMIYU: SIMIYU Regional Referral Hospital is facing questions over security and accountability after 40 CT-scanner batteries and an automatic electricity changeover switch went missing, prompting Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda to give those responsible 24 hours to return the equipment or face arrest and prosecution.
Mr Mtanda issued the ultimatum yesterday during an impromptu visit to the hospital, where he discovered that the equipment, acquired through government investment, was missing.
He directed the Regional Police Commander to investigate the theft, identify and arrest the suspects and recover the missing items.
“Police, get to work and establish who is responsible for this theft. I am giving those who took the batteries 24 hours to return them. After that, the suspects should be taken through the legal process, and I will follow up on the matter,” he said.
The incident raised questions about how all 40 batteries could disappear from a major health facility without security personnel or staff raising the alarm.
“How is it possible for 40 batteries to disappear from a hospital like this without people noticing? Where were they being kept?” Mr Mtanda asked, expressing concern over security and monitoring systems at the facility.
He said staff should have reported the first missing batteries instead of letting the theft continue until all 40 disappeared.
“When the first and second batteries went missing, someone should have noticed. You come to work and find that something that was there the previous day is missing, yet you do not raise the alarm. Where is the security until all 40 batteries are gone?” he questioned.
While responding, Doctor in Charge of Simiyu Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Athanas Ngambakubi, confirmed the theft of 40 backup batteries for the hospital’s CT scan machine and a key changeover switch.
“The 40 batteries are missing, and the changeover switch has not been found yet,” he said.
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He said that the theft was carried out gradually, with the heavy-duty batteries allegedly removed from the hospital in small batches.
“We have made efforts to trace the bodaboda operators suspected of transporting the stolen equipment, and so far, only one has been identified and is assisting with the investigation,” Dr Ngambakubi said.
Therefore, Mr Mtanda ordered police to pursue all leads and establish how the equipment was removed from the hospital.
He also sought an update on the missing automatic changeover switch, with the hospital’s medical officer in charge confirming that it had not been recovered.
“Police, get to work so that we establish who is responsible and ensure the switch is returned. If you are the one who took it, return it yourself,” he said.
The RC said the 24-hour ultimatum gave those involved an opportunity to return the equipment before legal proceedings began.
He warned that hospital employees would not be spared if investigations established their involvement, stressing that criminal offences must be handled through the police and courts.
In a separate appeal, Mr Mtanda urged hospital staff to uphold professional ethics, safeguard public property and put citizens’ interests first.
He said health workers had a responsibility to ensure that government investments in health facilities were protected and translated into reliable services for the public.
