Elijah Muchima, the new Minister of Health, has promised a thorough investigation into the procurement of drugs and medical supplies.
Muchima, who took over from Sylvia Masebo three days ago, said he will aggressively tackle the seemingly endemic corruption in the ministry and restore its integrity.
Muchima, who has moved from Lands – another ministry notorious for in-house corrupt dealings, but which has been cleaning house – said investigations will address any instances of malpractice and corruption.
The minister further underscored that transparency and accountability are critical in managing health resources, and that rigorous scrutiny and reforms are necessary to ensure effective health service delivery to the citizens.
Muchima has also assured donors and international partners of stringent financial management to ensure that all funds allocated to the Ministry of Health are safe and properly utilized.
Zambia’s Ministry of Health has for decades failed to rid itself of massive corruption and shady dealings, particularly in medicines and medical supplies procurement.
The recent scandal involves the diversion of 61 containers of medical supplies and drugs from a government agency to a private warehouse. The circumstances and motivations for this as explained by different parties are opaque.
In the aftermath of the discovery, the head of the agency which overseas medical supplies and drugs procurement has been suspended and the minister transferred to another portfolio.
