Opposition Leader Hakainde Hichilema has demanded that justice must prevail for citizens who were subjected to defective condoms and gloves supplied by honeybee pharmacy which he says is a crime against humanity.
Mr Hichilema is concerned that just like many other injustices that Zambians have been subjected to, nothing will be done to the known perpetrators of this crime against humanity.
He says he understands the public anger in reaction to the stench of alleged corruption coming from the ministry of health which awarded honeybee the contract to supply drugs, surgical gloves and other lifesaving items, authorized these for use and consumption, despite failing quality control tests.
And Mr Hichilema is saddened that even health workers who are working very hard sacrificing their lives have also been put in harm’s way by this regime that gave them defective personal protective equipment.
Below is the full statement
PRESS STATEMENT
10th January 2021
WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF MINISTRY OF HEALTH/HONEYBEE CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
We fully understand the public anger in reaction to the stench of corruption coming from the Ministry of Health (MoH). They awarded HoneyBee the contract to supply drugs, surgical gloves and other lifesaving items, authorised these for use and consumption, despite failing quality control tests.
We are also cognizant that just like many other injustices that our people have been subjected to, nothing will be done to the known perpetrators of this crime against humanity.
An evil regime does not choose on whom to inflict pain or exploit. These unsafe medical supplies are being used and consumed by everyone regardless of political affiliation, while those involved are enjoying the loot.
The sad situation that has now been created is where citizens are losing confidence in our country’s health care services. This loss of trust subsequently endangers the lives of our citizens as they resort to seeking healthcare from unregistered and unregulated medical providers.
It saddens us greatly to learn that even our health workers who are working very hard sacrificing their lives have also been put in harm’s way by this regime that gave them defective personal protective equipment. This action by the PF government is not only reckless, but criminal as it amounts to crimes against Zambians.
Hakainde Hakainde
UPND President
Meanwhile, UPND Lusaka Province Youth Chairperson, Anderson Banda has said that the PF led Government must take responsibility and immediately compensate the victims of expired drugs and condoms.
The Honey Bee Pharmacy scandal, in which expired drugs and condoms to the tune of US$17 million were supplied to the Ministry of Health, sums up the numerous scandals that the Dr Chilufya led health ministry has been embroiled in since PF assumed public office in 2011.
Speaking when he featured on Joy FM’s Talking Point this morning, Mr Banda pointed out that the failure by the PF Government to notice that simple drugs such as Panado and Coatem being administered on unsuspecting patients had expired meant Zambia was in a serious crisis.
“The PF must immediately compensate all the victims of the expired drugs and condoms. Honestly, if the Ministry of Health can’t determine whether simple drugs such as Paracetamol and Coatem have expired, that means the country is in a serious crisis.
Supplying Zambians with expired drugs and condoms knowingly by Dr Chitalu Chilufya is risking the lives of thousands of Zambians. We want Dr Chitalu Chilufya and his team at MoH to be fired for gross negligence,” he said.
Commenting on the second wave of the novel coronavirus that the world is currently grappling with, Mr Banda observed that had the PF taken the pandemic seriously when it first broke out, the country would have contained the virus.
He accused the PF of risking the lives of the people by down playing the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What has made the novel coronavirus issue worse is the PF hierarchy who politicised the pandemic when it broke out in 2019. The ones who are calling for strict adherence to COVID-19 regulations are the ones who are abrogating them. We have seen the Minister of Health, Dr Chitalu Chilufya going around the country with a large group of people in turn risking their lives. The PF also shared COVID-19 donations from well wishers,” he said.
He also laughed off assertions by PF that the infamous, gruesome murder of UPND’s Joseph Kaunda and State Prosecutor, Nsama Nsama Chipyoka on 23rd December last year was because they (UPND) caders were “unruly”.
“We are demanding like we have always that Kakoma Kanganja as Police Inspector General-IG-and Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo be fired for gross negligence. We also demand the people behind the shooting of the two be brought to book. How can the Police fail to identify the people who killed Nsama Nsama and Kaunda?” wondered Mr Banda.
He has since warned newly appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge of Operations, Charity Katanga not to accept to be used as a tool of oppression by the PF
I think he knows the location for honey bee he can get the Justice is More power and he go with UN team
This is the cost of La7y Lungu’s corruption a Retail Pharmacy being awarded a $17 million supply contract with no track record or licence, a carwash in Kabwata being awarded a million dollar contract to supply 46 vehicles to Ministry of Justice whereby even Toyota Zambia which will provide after service loses out. The President then responds that its not job its the job of the Secretary of the Cabinet when its his citizens who are being short-changed.
How does a government regulatory function become the subject of blame for the pf? The relevant authorities are investigating. So there is no point waffling without any factual findings. The problem with under five is that he politicises everything such that he has become so boring and predictable to the electorate. Better to be quiet if you have nothing better to say. This is why you are a record breaker in election losses.
I am now off for my weekly motorbike ride around Lusaka. Oh what a joy it is to ride my powerful machine on these marvellous roads the pf Government have built.
Very good ba elder let us embrace Justice the privatization of Zambia assets
I feel petty for the unPatriotic Front. Why can’t you direct all that energy and resources you have allocated to track, harass, attack and get ride of HH to stopping the corruption at Ministry of Health.
Zambian’s will never forgive you, for putting their live at risk. Insoni ebuntu, mark my words.
KZ bcoz PF is currently running all the Zambian Bureau of Standards ,public health,customs and all related GRZ oversight of this matter .Learn about accountability Bwana Negligent.
He must also resign for calling caders to riot in Lusaka, as it has been said for Donald Trump in USA ??
They don’t teach Tort Law at ZIALE, even Jack Mwiimbu doesn’t know what it is. This is an opportunity to sue GRZ for a $10BN in a mass suit. If Boam fails to pay you seize the New Complex at Kamwala, Cabinet Office, MoD and Home Affairs and turn them into 5 star hotels and business complex. It’s only politicians talking, where are the lawyers? I’ve given an idea you chaps
News just in is that the La7y one has FIRED the crook of a Doctor …you will see how our local UK based impostor will change goal posts!
Useless Kaponya (HH)
Tarino I already knew of that as I was called to an emergency meeting earlier. I was not allowed to make it public until the official message had been published. I have not changed my tune. Go and read my comment on the actual article about this matter.
Hope his Happy now
@ Tarino
You and I both know what misery PF had brought to Zambia especially with convict lungu and his minions in charge.
We have a criminal by profession who is the political advisor of convict lungu.
Should PF win the next elections Zambia will slide into the next Zimbabwe. I wonder when will people realise a change is needed.
Lungu and his minions will be facing the gallows. Change is coming.
As for KZ a monkey is more good looking
mmmm Chellah Tukuta deteriorating madness iam sure ba freema.son made him to join satan.ism..The young man needs prayers.