Friday, November 8, 2024

Health Minister Elijah Muchima Confirms Adequate Medicine Stocks at UTHs and ZAMMSA

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Health Minister Elijah Muchima conducted an extensive tour of the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs) and the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to assess stock availability and compliance levels. Contrary to reports suggesting shortages, Dr. Muchima expressed satisfaction with the ample stocks of essential medicines and medical supplies at both institutions.

Dr. Muchima assured that the Ministry of Health will expedite the distribution of these essential medicines and supplies to health facilities nationwide, including hard-to-reach areas. His visit aimed to reassure the public and address concerns about medicine shortages.

Over 50 containers of medicine have been transported from the J and J warehouse to ZAMMSA. Dr. Muchima emphasized that funds are being mobilized to ensure that ZAMMSA can effectively distribute these medicines and supplies across the country.

During his tour of ZAMMSA offices and warehouse in Lusaka, Dr. Muchima expressed contentment with the progress of the new oxygen plant at UTHs. He was briefed by Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. John Kachimba, who highlighted the need for adequate oxygen facilities, especially in light of challenges faced during the COVID-19 outbreak.

At the same meeting, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, urged UTH management to ensure that patients receive medicines that are in stock. This statement came in response to the Health Minister’s concern that patients were being directed to private pharmacies for medications that should be available in public health facilities.

Additionally, Dr. Muchima addressed journalists about the ongoing investigation into allegations of expired drugs and assured the timely distribution of medicines to areas in need. He emphasized that he will not tolerate any wastage of medicines under his watch.

Dr. Muchima also held a closed-door meeting with ZAMMSA’s top management to discuss critical issues affecting the Ministry of Health. He was accompanied by Health Permanent Secretaries and other top government officials, along with members of the media.

The Health Minister’s tour and subsequent actions underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Zambians have access to necessary medical supplies and healthcare services.

11 COMMENTS

  1. There’s never been a shortage of medicine, manpower, equipment in our hospitals. What has been short is honesty, integrity, honesty, commitment and patriotism. What this chap has done is what Masebo was doing also. He’s seen all those medicines but tomorrow he will be told there’s no medicine in hospitals.

    • Musaa Deja Vu, you are 100% right, and truly Masebo was just ok. But got to do my show too.
      My focus was on female nurses, not damn bandages.

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    • Now you admit HH has sorted PF drugs the shortages .Let me not hear you complain about prescriptions to buy own drugs.I will whip you like a baby

  2. Ba Lusaja Times, please learn to investigate! Who owns J&J Warehouse. When the Minister says the ministry is mobilizing resources, is he saying ZAMMSA doesn’t have a money for last mile / kilometer delivery? Whats the hold up with distributing the drugs in stock?

  3. UPND…Garbage out Garbage in…wow i thought HH was a messiah for Zambia but he is actually destroying Zambia…bakoswe mumpoto reloaded…i thought Pilato was a Patriot but I was wrong

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  4. It took the government 7 months to realize that certain medications and equipment were stranded, clearly indicating that Zambia is not facing a scarcity. Otherwise, the former nurse is innocent of any wrongdoing. There seems to be a significant issue within our government. The new minister is now confirming that there was no impropriety. Why is it that these individuals cannot seem to accomplish anything correctly, other than praising themselves?

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  5. And its only in Zambia where you hide Suspects name….you hide people who are being investigated…i don’t know what type of Judiciary we have

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