President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Ministry of Health to end medicine shortages in public health facilities, placing the issue at the centre of his latest instructions to newly appointed Health Minister Alex Katakwe. The directive signals government’s intention to tighten management of the national drug supply chain and ensure that hospitals and clinics have consistent access to essential medicines.
Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed officials, the President said the availability of medicines in public health facilities must improve and that the ministry should urgently address challenges affecting distribution. He indicated that artificial shortages in hospitals and clinics should not occur when medicines exist within the national supply system.
The President’s remarks placed responsibility on the health sector leadership to ensure medicines are delivered to health facilities where patients require treatment. The directive also highlights the role of institutions responsible for procurement and distribution of pharmaceuticals across the country.
Government has in recent years expanded investment in healthcare infrastructure and services, including the construction of new health facilities and maternity annexes in several provinces. However, the consistent availability of medicines remains one of the most visible indicators by which citizens measure the performance of the health system.
Katakwe’s appointment to the Ministry of Health places him at the centre of efforts to improve service delivery in a sector that affects millions of citizens every day. His first priority is expected to involve reviewing the supply chain responsible for delivering medicines from central warehouses to hospitals, clinics and rural health posts.
Health sector administrators have often cited logistical challenges in the distribution network as a contributing factor to drug shortages. These include delays in procurement processes, transportation bottlenecks and difficulties in forecasting demand across the country’s extensive health facility network.
The President’s directive signals a push to strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Health and agencies responsible for medicine procurement and distribution. Efficient coordination between these institutions is considered essential to ensuring that medicines purchased by government reach patients without unnecessary delays.
Public health experts have previously noted that medicine shortages affect not only treatment outcomes but also public confidence in government health services. Patients who fail to obtain medicines in hospitals often turn to private pharmacies, increasing household costs and reducing the accessibility of care for vulnerable populations.
Government’s efforts to expand the health system have included recruiting additional medical personnel and constructing new facilities in underserved communities. These investments are designed to bring healthcare services closer to citizens, particularly in rural areas where distance to hospitals has historically limited access to treatment.
However, infrastructure improvements alone cannot guarantee effective healthcare delivery without a reliable supply of medicines and medical supplies. Ensuring that drugs are consistently available in hospitals remains a core component of improving the quality of public healthcare services.
Katakwe now assumes responsibility for guiding the health sector at a time when expectations around service delivery remain high. The President’s directive effectively sets the tone for his tenure by making medicine availability an immediate priority for the ministry.
Government officials say strengthening the supply chain will involve monitoring procurement systems, improving stock management and ensuring that medicines distributed through national systems reach facilities in the required quantities.
Health sector reforms are expected to continue as authorities seek to address operational challenges affecting service delivery. The directive on drug availability forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the health system and improve the reliability of treatment services across the country.
The directive is coming in the fifth year. How many lives have we lost all this time?
It’s a snoozing nation. Everything is done at snail’s pace. Except the arrest of M’membe, Munir, Mumbai Phiri, Sampa, all the opposition.
Very true. Criminals are never pursued. Political opponents are pursued with great speed