By Dr Susan Akello
As Uganda continues to improve its public healthcare delivery systems, District Health Officers (DHOs) remain central to ensuring that government-provided medicines are properly managed, equitably distributed, and protected from misuse.
While the National Medical Stores (NMS) handles delivery logistics through its Last-Mile Delivery system, the DHO’s role begins the moment those medicines reach district health facilities.
Their leadership is critical in preventing drug stockouts, sensitizing the public, and combating theft or diversion of medical supplies.
Medicine Planning
Every DHO coordinates the medicine requisition and distribution process within their district. This includes compiling orders from various health facilities, verifying deliveries from NMS, and ensuring that stocks are well-managed.
DHOs must work closely with health facility in-charges, pharmacists, and storekeepers to monitor medicine usage trends and consumption patterns.
When stock runs out prematurely, it is the DHO’s responsibility to identify the cause—be it increased patient load, improper prescribing, or leakage—and take corrective action.
Timely supervision and data-driven stock planning can prevent unnecessary gaps in service and ensure that medicines last until the next delivery.
Sensitizing the Public
Many patients are unaware that government medicines, including Mama Kits and essential treatments, are free of charge and clearly labeled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale.”
As the district’s top health authority, the DHO should regularly engage in public sensitization through local radio stations, barazas, and health campaigns—informing citizens of their rights and encouraging them to report any illegal sales or informal charges.
When patients know what they are entitled to, they become active participants in monitoring service delivery.
Preventing and Responding to Drug Theft
Theft or diversion of government medicine is a serious challenge. DHOs play a critical role in building a culture of accountability among health workers. This includes conducting routine audits, surprise inspections, and verifying facility stock against delivery records.
Where theft is suspected, the DHO must report to the district leadership, police, or State House Health Monitoring Unit. Ignoring such incidents weakens the entire system.
DHOs can also empower Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs) to provide oversight and encourage whistleblowing from within the community.
Ultimately, DHOs are more than administrators—they are the guardians of public health integrity. By combining technical knowledge with community engagement, they ensure that government medicines are used appropriately, protected from abuse, and delivered where they are needed most.
With strong DHO leadership, every medicine counts—and every patient has a better chance at recovery.
