VIDEO - PORT ELIZABETH - ARMED MEN STEAL BOXES OF ARVs AND TB MEDICATION FROM PE HOSPITAL

Boxes of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and Tuberculosis (TB) medication have been stolen from a Port Elizabeth hospital. Empilweni TB Hospital authorities suspect the stolen medication will be used to mix dangerous drug combinations.

The medications were stolen during an early morning burglary. Armed men gained access through a back window of the TB hospital and held security guards at gun point. They broke down the pharmacy's door and stole batches of ARVs and TB medication.

CCTV hard drives and computers were also stolen.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ruben de Vos says an inside job is suspected.

“It looks as if it might be an inside job but we cannot point fingers. The reason we say this is that from the reports and statements we received, it looks as if someone that knows the institution well is also involved in this armed robbery because they went to the security guard asking for car keys. So they knew keys were kept by the security."

Patients are concerned about their safety and the potential lack of medication.

A stolen hospital vehicle was later recovered.

Hospital management has promised to beef up security at the facility. Police are investigating.