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Intervention at IPS hospital uncovers possible clandestine drug sales network
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Health & Science

Intervention at IPS hospital uncovers possible clandestine drug sales network

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • An intervention at the IPS Central Hospital's family shelter uncovered expired medical supplies, improperly stored controlled drugs, and cash, following allegations of illicit drug sales.
  • Authorities found an informal setup managed by individuals not affiliated with the hospital, who allegedly sold donated and institutional medications.
  • Concerns are high regarding patient safety due to unsanitary storage conditions and the loss of cold chain for critical medications.

Health authorities in Paraguay have intervened at the family shelter of the IPS Central Hospital following serious allegations of illegal drug sales. The operation uncovered a disturbing scene: expired medical supplies, controlled medications stored without refrigeration, and cash were found in an area meant for patient families.

We found a person sitting at a desk as if they were in charge of the place, handling prescriptions and even with cash in the drawer. There's a whole trafficking operation, apparently. It could be donations, but probably even donated items are being sold.

— Dr. Cynthia CardozoDirector of the Support and Services Department, describing the findings during the intervention.

Dr. Cynthia Cardozo, director of the hospital's Support and Services Department, confirmed the urgent intervention was ordered due to reports of medications, marked with both IPS and Ministry of Health seals, being offered and sold to families of patients in the adult intensive care unit. The inspection revealed an informal operation run by individuals who are not hospital staff but hired caregivers for patients' relatives.

Expired medications mixed with current medications, without separation by date or type.

— ReportDetailing the serious findings regarding medication storage.

These individuals allegedly established a network within the shelter to traffic medications, potentially including donated items. Dr. Cardozo expressed grave concern not only about the potential financial loss to the state but, more importantly, about the risks to patient health. The discovery of expired drugs mixed with valid ones and the loss of the cold chain for essential medicines stored in unsanitary conditions highlight a severe breach of safety protocols.

Loss of cold chain: medications, anesthetics, and controlled drugs stored in cardboard boxes piled up, without refrigeration.

— ReportHighlighting the critical failure in storing temperature-sensitive drugs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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