The Ministry of Health has reported possible criminal negligence in the transportation of procured medical supplies.
In the wake of these developments, the Director General of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has been suspended after containers of government procured imported medicines were diverted and discovered at a private depot named J&J.
Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo stated in her recent ministerial statement to the National Assembly that despite significant improvements in the procurement and availability of medicines and supplies, there have been serious roadblocks in transportation and delivery.
“Containers of medical supplies, including vital intravenous fluids and syringes, were improperly handled and delayed, causing considerable disruption,” Masebo said.
She stated that the Ministry of Health has intervened, and efforts are underway to transport the remaining containers from the J&J depot to ZAMMSA.
This movement is expected to be completed between 10 and 15 days.
“The Ministry has identified severe mismanagement and possible criminal negligence, which has been reported to law enforcement.”
She assured that through ZAMMSA, the government has implemented several strategies to ensure a steady supply of medical resources.
“These include procuring 42,000 Health Center Kits annually, engaging in bulk procurement agreements for essential medicines with various partners, including UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, USAID, CDC, and the Global Fund, and securing government-to-government bulk procurement contracts,” she explained.
