The ministry of Health has withdrawn licenses of 16 pharmacies and five private health centers over alleged negligence and malpractices.

14 nurses and pharmacists have also been suspended and cannot practice pending further investigations. According to the Ministry of Health, the move was geared at ensuring public safety.

In an interview with The New Times, yesterday, Nathan Mugume, the head of Communications at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre said the suspension comes as a clean-up of unprofessionalism in heath sector.

"Investigations are still ongoing but most of these facilities have been closed because of acting contrary to professional standards,” Mugume said.

He added that the ministry of Health arrived at the decision following preliminary investigations.

"This year, several investigations were carried out by the ministry in the erstwhile and findings revealed they were unfit to operate,” Mugume emphasised.

It is not the first time the health Ministry is cracking down on health workers over negligence. Last year, the ministry fired ten medics, including nine nurses and one doctor at Kabgayi District Hospital, over breach of professional ethics.

The New Times could not readily establish the exact modes of negligence and malpractice that warranted the suspension of the licences.

The work of the health professionals in the country is regulated by the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council. editorial@newtimes.co.rw