Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this story GOVERNMENT has commenced the reset of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency to restore integrity in the national medicines supply chain. In a statement Friday, Minister of Health Hon. Prof. Roma Chilengi said all…

Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this story

GOVERNMENT has commenced the reset of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency to restore integrity in the national medicines supply chain.

In a statement Friday, Minister of Health Hon. Prof. Roma Chilengi said all members of staff have been separated from the agency in the national interest.

“Fellow citizens, I wish to inform the nation that the much anticipated reset of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has commenced. As part of this reset, all members of staff have been separated from the Agency in national interest,” Chilengi said.

She said the decision follows years of repeated problems at the institution, complaints from stakeholders and findings from a forensic audit commissioned by the Office of the Auditor General.

“The audit found serious and widespread weaknesses across the entire cascade of the supply chain, including procurement, warehousing and distribution. It also found irregular procurements at inflated prices, unaccounted-for stock, missing system records and the diversion of medicines meant for our public health facilities,” she said.

“In short, there are systemic failures at every level of the processes.”

Chilengi assured the public that supply of medicines to health facilities will continue without interruption and that an interim management team is in place.

“My Ministry will work closely with our cooperating partners and logistics providers to maintain distribution. All separated staff will receive their dues in accordance with the law,” she said.

“We will work around the clock to ensure that new management is in place as soon as possible. Open advertisements will shortly be shared in order to fill the vacant positions within a lean structure expected to run an efficient system.”

Engage with this story

Comment 0Likes 0Reactions 0Comments 0Shares Be the first reader to react to this story

Discussion

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts. Let's keep it respectful and constructive.

Start the discussion Sort by: Newest Oldest Most Liked No comments yetBe the first to bring a thoughtful perspective to this story. Comment as a guest No account is needed. Sign in only if you want your comment tied to your profile. Sign in instead